We Once Were Tide

Set on the Isle of Wight, We Once Were Tide is a poignant, 2011 short film that elegantly captures the ebbs and flows of love, loss, and longing within a rural, seaside English town. Directed by Jason Bradbury and written by Matthew Kyne Baskott, this intimate narrative stars Alexander Scott, Tristan Bernays, and Mandy Aldridge in roles that contemplate the innate complexities of human relationships, the struggles of self-identity and the bitter-sweet tasting realizations that come with growth and discovery.

Set in a place where time seems to stand still, the movie is anchored around Anthony (played by Alexander Scott), a thoughtful young man on the cusp of adulthood. He lives with his terminally ill mother, Lisa (played by Mandy Aldridge) - a quiet woman with a weathered heart. He also shares an intense, deep-rooted romantic relationship with the passionate and a bit reckless, Kyle (played by Tristan Bernays).

The movie kick starts with the dawn of a new day, taking the viewers on a journey through a 24-hour period in Anthony's life, each moment offering a glimpse into his existence, thoughts, and feelings. Alexander Scott delivers a nuanced performance, his melancholy looks and evident vulnerability occasionally breaking free from his otherwise stoic demeanor, revealing the softer side of Anthony.

In contrast, Bernays's Kyle is lively, vibrant, filled with youthful exuberance and an itch for exploration and adventure. His persuasive charm doesn't overshadow his perceptible naivety and underlying struggle. This difference in their personalities adds layers of depth not only to their individual characters but also to the intricacies of their unconventional relationship.

Baskott's screenplay adeptly explores the complexities of loneliness and the burden of responsibility. This earnest narrative is woven with a sense of confusion, longing, dilemma, and the inevitable despair that follows life-altering decisions. Although the movie encapsulates just a day in the characters’ lives, it manages to portray the transformative journey they undertake, spurring their evolution.

Aldridge delivers an equally impressive performance as Lisa, the mother weighed down by her illness. Her nuanced performance of a woman attempting to grapple with her mortality while holding on to her maternal instincts is both touching and heartbreaking.

Despite the tragic undertone, the central theme of the movie revolves around love- love imbued with responsibilities, acceptance, denial, and an acute understanding of sacrifices. The sea serves as a powerful metaphor, comparable to the characters' relationships, continually influenced by the changing tides of time. Sometimes calm, sometimes turbulent, the sea perfectly mirrors the bittersweet essence of life and the tides of change experienced by our protagonists.

Jason Bradbury's direction, coupled with Bjorn Franklin's picturesque and atmospheric cinematography, makes We Once Were Tide a standout. They have managed to articulate a simple story about the power of love in the face of contrasting backgrounds, personal dilemmas, and impending loss effectively. The use of natural lighting and the evocative coastal landscape's strategic usage highlights the raw and rustic charm of the English countryside, paralleling the raw emotions of the characters.

The movie's background score adds an additional layer of melancholic beauty to the narrative and setting. Quiet, moving, and introspective, the score aids in amplifying the movie's overall emotive resonance.

We Once Were Tide is, in essence, a sensitive exploration of human experiences and emotions, presented from a refreshingly intimate perspective. It handles the delicate themes of personal discoveries, familial bonds, love, and loss with grace, humility, and empathy, making it a must-watch. The movie earned its acclaim not just for its authentic portrayal of characters, but also for its captivating storytelling that leaves the audience pondering long after the end credits roll. In a running time of around seventeen minutes, Bradbury's creation underscores that its length doesn't restrict a film conveying profound depth and reflection. Distinctly poignant, beautifully shot, and delicately articulated, We Once Were Tide will captivate viewers with its raw simplicity and human connections.