The Sea In Between

"The Sea In Between" is a mesmerizing musical documentary released in 2013 and directed by Matt Porter and Jesse David Green. The documentary is a testament to the soul-shaking authenticity and stark beauty of folk and acoustic music, offering viewers a more intimate side of the captivating world of independent music against a backdrop of stunning scenic landscapes.

The film fixates on the compelling American singer-songwriter Josh Garrels, who emerges as the pivotal figure. Known for his unique blend of folk, hip hop, and Indie music styles, Josh’s inventive and soulful music defies categorization, paralleling the film's ethos of exploration and independence. His richly resonant voice intertwining with his inspiring lyrics drenched in spirituality, struggle, hope, and redemption, captivates and moves the listener.

The Sea In Between eliminates the boundary between musicians and audience, featuring live performances of Josh Garrels’ music, as well as reflective talks with Josh and his band members. Josh’s work as a musician takes on a profoundly intimate quality, without a hint of pretentiousness, as the film enables us to identify the musical and personal inspirations that fuel his creative process.

The story unfolds when Garrels accepts a fascinating proposal from Blayne Johnson. Johnson, a random fan desiring to give his family an experience of a lifetime, invites Josh and his band to the remote Mayne Island in the breathtaking Canadian archipelago to play a series of house concerts. The film vividly documents this unusual journey – travelling from Indiana to the rustic, little-known Mayne Island, and the awe-inspiring performances that result. The journey throughout catalyzes self-discovery, creativity, and artistic connection that’s deeply moving to witness.

Documenting not only the musical performances but also the serene and extraordinary natural splendours of Mayne Island, the film takes viewers on a journey that's as much about an appreciation of our world's unsung natural beauty, as it is about the brilliance of independent acoustic music. Green's cinematography enhances this juncture between music and nature by capturing the breathtaking landscapes, which become an integral part of the unfolding musical narrative.

The film also provides valuable insight into the lives beyond the music. The dynamics of travelling with family and close-knit band members, some heartfelt scenes featuring Garrels' wife Michelle as well as the family that hosted them, and the commentaries on existentialist musings and struggles bring humanity and relatability to the sometimes mystical world of musicians.

"The Sea In Between" is more than a film; it's an experience. It meticulously documents the transformative power of music, the visceral bond between artists and their audience, the symbiotic relationships that form in close-knit groups, and the transcendental nature of art and beauty in all its forms. Paramount to all, it paints the portrait of a genuine artist true to his craft and unswayed by the mainstream commercial music industry.

The documentary serves as a tribute to independent music, boldly indicating that artistic value does not only reside in commercial success. Its narrative explores the profound impact that passion, humanity, authenticity, and personal philosophy can have on art, particularly the artistry of independent music.

Fusing a boundless passion for music with an introspective journey into the human soul, "The Sea In Between" offers a profound cinematic experience. It reminds us of the beauty that lies outside the confines of the mainstream, and the power of art to inspire and to bring people together in shared moments of joy and understanding. In the end, the film emphasizes the importance of taking the path less travelled, of maintaining authenticity in an increasingly mechanized world – a lesson no doubt mirrored in Josh Garrels' own musical journey.