Swim Little Fish Swim

Swim Little Fish Swim is a 2013 comedic drama that unfolds in the bohemian art scene of New York City. Directed by Lola Bessis and Ruben Amar, the movie shines bright with a star cast that includes Lola Bessis, Dustin Guy Defa, and Brooke Bloom. In an effortless blend of reality and whimsy, the story follows the journey of Lilas, a young, ambitious, and idealistic 19-year-old French artist who leaves her overbearing mother behind in Paris to travel to New York. Her adventure is contrasted by the life of Leeward and his wife Mary, who are struggling under the weight of adulthood and all its responsibilities.

The movie is steeped in the vibrant contrast of the lives of these individuals. Lola Bessis, who co-directed the movie, is also the protagonist Lilas, the artistic free spirit. She comes to the bustling world of New York City, filled with artistic ambitions seeping out of her being. A recent art school graduate, she embarks on a quest for artistic freedom while simultaneously avoiding her mother's insistence that she returns to France and a more conventional lifestyle.

Contrastingly, Leeward, played by Dustin Guy Defa, is an offbeat musician married to Mary, an overworked nurse portrayed by Brooke Bloom. He portrays a starving artist who is unfortunately not making enough money from his music to provide for his wife and their young daughter, Maggie. He is caught in a web of his need to be authentic in his work, his role as a father, and the mundane reality of bills piling up. His constantly tense relationship with his wife over the decision to provide or to pursue his music adds a layer of profound depth into their lives.

While both Leeward and Lilas are artists, their lives are very different, yet they share some similarities: both are grappling with their art and their desires to keep it as unrestrained and pure as possible. It's this shared struggle that forms the crux of their growing friendship when Lilas takes up residence in their already chaotic home.

Elaborating on the film's wider context, Swim Little Fish Swim reveals the gentrification of downtown New York City. In this bubbling, urban setup, themes of art, adulthood, obligation, dreams, and reality are beautifully intertwined. The movie, in essence, reflects the struggle between art and commerce and the pressures an artist has to face when negotiating between authenticity and practicality.

The music and the visuals of the movie are significant characters in themselves, adding layers of depth to the narrative. The soft, psychedelic lullabies sung and composed by Defa's Leeward become the soundscape that beautifully encapsulates the vibe of the film. Bessis' character, Lilas, uses her Super-8 camera to capture moments, augmenting the cinematography of the film. Layers of reality and dreams blend effortlessly in the hand-held filming process.

The movie’s charm is largely due to the performances of its main cast. Bessis, besides being a successful director, has effortlessly played the role of Lilas. Dustin Guy Defa exhibits an extraordinary performance as Leeward, bringing to life the struggles and dreams of an underachieving but resolute artist. Brooke Bloom's portrayal of the realistic and hard-working Mary perfectly complements Defa's Leeward.

Swim Little Fish Swim essentially portrays the struggle for creativity in an increasingly commercial world. The film encourages the viewer to imagine and believe in a world where dreams are not simply dreams. Amidst the quirky humor, Parisian charm, and climactic conflict, it gently embeds within the narrative an ode to dreams, ambition, and the power of one's imagination.

In conclusion, Swim Little Fish Swim is a stylish, heartfelt comedy-drama that delves into the intricacies of adulthood, familial responsibilities, artistic freedom, and dreams. The compelling performances of the cast bring the character-driven story to life, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer. The movie beautifully portrays the complicated lives of everyday people with dreams and their constant fight to balance those dreams with reality. It is an ode to creativity, of imagination over practicality, and of dreams over harsh reality.