Wet Bum

Wet Bum is a coming-of-age drama film from director Lindsay Mackay, which premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. The story follows 14-year-old Sam (Julia Sarah Stone), an introverted and socially awkward girl who lives with her dad (Kenneth Welsh) in a small Ontario town.

Sam is an outsider in her school, where she struggles to fit in and is often bullied by her classmates. She also has trouble connecting with her father, who is distant and emotionally unavailable. Despite these challenges, Sam maintains a fascination with science and spends her free time conducting experiments in her backyard shed.

When Sam's dad goes away on a trip, she must stay with her grandmother (Ellen David) who lives in a retirement home. There, Sam befriends a fellow resident, an eccentric and free-spirited man named Ed (Craig Arnold). Through her interactions with Ed, Sam begins to find a sense of belonging and starts to come out of her shell.

However, Sam's newfound sense of confidence is soon challenged when she is accused of inappropriate conduct by one of her classmates. As she struggles to clear her name and maintain her reputation, Sam must confront her insecurities and fears head-on.

Wet Bum is a poignant and tender exploration of adolescence, family dynamics, and the search for identity. It features a standout performance by Julia Sarah Stone, who captures the awkwardness and vulnerability of adolescence with nuance and sensitivity. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Kenneth Welsh delivering a stoic and understated portrayal of Sam's father and Craig Arnold adding a dose of humor and warmth as Ed.

Director Lindsay Mackay deftly balances the film's darker moments with moments of levity and whimsy, creating a nuanced and emotionally resonant portrait of young adulthood. The film's cinematography, which highlights the beauty of the rural Ontario landscape, adds an additional layer of atmosphere and texture to the story.

Overall, Wet Bum is a thoughtful and captivating film that explores the complexities and challenges of growing up. It is a must-watch for anyone who has experienced the awkwardness and uncertainty of adolescence, and for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted coming-of-age story.