Saturday, August 29, 2020

Fantasia Film Festival '20 Film Review - The Block Island Sound

The forces of nature are at play on Block Island Sound. A small New England fishing community and tourist destination has seen a series of recent strange events. Fish are washing up dead ashore, birds are falling out of the sky and something in the area is having an effect on some residents. Harry (Chris Sheffield) took the death of his mother six months ago very hard even harder than his two  sisters.  He lives in the family home on the Island with his dad Tom (Neville Archambault). His dad has been activating strange lately. Harry finds him frozen statue like in the middle of a task or wakes up to find that he has disappeared all night on the family boat. Harry is concerned thinking that it could be the onset of early Dementia but his dad refuses to see a doctor about his condition. 

Into the picture comes Harry's sister Audry (Michaela McManus)  along with her daughter Emily(Matilda Lawler) and work colleague Paul (Ryan O'Flanagan) they have been brought in to investigate the dead fish washing up on shore as the number approaches 10 tonnes. The trio stay at the family residence where Audry notices the behavior of her father that  puts her brother Henry on the defensive. Tom becomes more erratic ultimately leading to a tragic outcome. His sickness appears to transfer to Harry who begins to suffer from blackouts while starting to hear and see things as well.

The MacManus Brothers have produced a film that is part mystery part environmental, part horror with conspiracy theory and science undertones. The writing gives Audry a lot to do as she has to balance her work, caring for her brother and daughter, while investigating the mysterious events.

Jim Cummings is memorable as Harry's pal Dale. A full on conspiracy theorist by nature he has charts, graphs, and materials documenting the strange occurrences on the island and similar ones around the world. As Harry's symptoms worsen he goes to Dale for advice and to his disbelief, some of his theories may make some sense. Audry takes the more practical route of seeking a medical solution. Harry's treating doctor . Harry's treating doctor reveals the name of a former resident with similar symptoms who now lives total off the grid. Audry makes the trek to pay him a visit to find that his state of mind makes Dale look like an amateur 

The Block Island Sound is a horror-thriller with a strong narrative that will keep audiences off balance  deep into the third act. The brothers present sharp alarming visuals whose images will stay with the viewer long after they have seen the film. There is a lot of content on a small geographical footprint that will keep viewers totally engaged. 

***1/2 Out of 4.

Block Island Sound |  Kevin McManus /Matthew McManus |  U.S.A.| 2020 | 97 Minutes. 

Tags: Fishing Village, Marine Biology, Funeral, Ferry, Fish, Testing, Birds, Deer, Dog, Girl

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