When a writer retreats from the world, chances are that in their isolation, they find themselves alone with the monster they were hoping to escape. Movies like Secret Window reflect that kind of internal dynamic; it’s to the credit of writer/director Randal Plunkett that he manages to ring the changes on a familiar trope. The Green Sea is an organic, dark drama that’s all the better for avoiding horror clichés, but aiming for something more thoughtful and transformative instead.
Familiar from Ginger Snaps and tv show The Order, Katharine Isabelle plays US musician and novelist Simone, who has created a protective shell around her in the shape of a stately pile in the Irish countryside. That protection is also a trap; Simone lives a calcified existence, knocking back straight vodka from mugs, locked into a self-destructive pattern, but why? After getting a temporary repair to her jeep, Simone offers shelter to a young girl (Hazel Doupe) who needs shelter. Simone has a book to finish, but new relationships with her lodger, a local mechanic and a man known only as The Collector stretch Simone’s fragile sense of herself. Are these people real, or characters in her novel? And either way, what do their appearances portend?
The Green Sea’s title relates to a type of turtle; as in Mike Newell’s Donnie Brasco, there’s a helpful bit of symbolism via a nature documentary seen on television. With a sharp focus on two strong female characters, Plunkett takes a supernaturally-themed story that could have been a short, and expands it with some carefully loaded narrative that explores the foibles of the creative self. Simone may or may not have killed her previous partner; the locals think she might be a Satanist. When the conclusion arrives, it’s supernaturally themed, and the kind of twist that justifies the kinks of the journey.
After a series of shorts, The Green Sea marks a strong debut feature for Plunkett, who avoids the hysteria of most genre entries, and comes up with a serious drama that places Simone at the heart of a blurred snapshot of guilt and anguish. While bleak in subject, The Green Sea is elevated by good acting and a detailed storyline that never shirks the responsibility to entertain; this is a psychological mystery story, for adults, not thrill-seeking teens. Simone’s journey is difficult, but the ending is genuinely rewarding for audiences prepared to take a detour from the beaten path.
The Green Sea is released this week (16/07/2021) in UK/ Ireland on VOD courtesy of Reel 2 Reel Films / Trinity Creative Group. Thank for access to this film. Link and trailer below.
Poor storyline , a lot of mediocre acting, and a heap of unanswered questions. Who was the man in glasses, did all the kids just live in the sea, what happened the guys who shot her, did she look like a deer to them ect ect.i could go on.
A lot of unanswered questions to be sure; I thought the guy with the glasses was Death, but a film like this won’t give straight answers…
I like these focused internalised kind of pictures. People always go faraway to escape what is too close to home and it never works. The horror of the mind or senses is always more rewarding that physical bumps in the night. Sounds interesting.
Despite the fact that Ireland was in Canada, some scenes could have been shortened, and the ending had a wonk factor of 3+, I liked The Green Sea and the female leads. It reminded me of something writer Elizabeth Hand might have penned, in collaboration with Flynn’s Woman in the Window. I could ID with many aspects of the story–grief vs recluse vs solace vs big bad wolf and a headfull of ghosts. Great review, you hit the salient points….fabulous imagery via ‘calcified life, monster they were hoping to escape, and never shirks the responsibility…’ Thanks!
I noted that someone else mentioned a sci-fi ending, but I thought it was supernatural. Woman in the Window and Wolf’s Call are both good reference points here, but I think this works better than both. I’ll look into Elizabeth Hand….but this is Ireland, isn’t it?
This was really shot in Ireland
Thanks for confirming!
Maybe.
Each digital download comes complete with a home visit from Tom Hardy.
Rather have Tom Hiddlestone though.
Tom Hardy’s on his way, hold on, I’ll see if I can get him on his moby and let him know that he’s not wanted. It’ll be gutting for him, dodn’t blame me if he turns up in tears.
Happy days in fantasy-land.
That’s what Tom Hardy thought, but he’s returning to base now.
I have to admit, I look pretty good in those sunglasses. The hoody doesn’t work so well for you though. Maybe a bathing cap next time, to keep things “sea” themed?
Sigh. You’re up early/late this morning?
Early. Have to be at work at 6, so I got up at 4 so I’d be awake by the time 6 rolled around.
I’m guessing from your lack of reply that you don’t want to wear a bathing cap. That’s ok. I won’t judge you.
I’d rather not, if that’s OK. Rather not wear a bathing cap or be judged.
Well don’t you worry, my comments come with judgy’ness pre-installed so the pressure is off of you.
What have you got against bathing caps though?
I prefer a full ankle-length swimsuit, striped.
A man of good taste I see.
Quality comments like yours are what set you apart from the common herd of other movie watchers.
Keep up the good work and before you know it, you’ll be famous on the internet!
Been there, done that, now aiming for respectability. Thanks for your help with that.
Absolutely! When I come over here, I bring my A-Game. You deserve the best comments that the internet has to offer and I am obviously the best the internet has to offer overall, so it’s just natural 🙂
Is the correct answer.
Bookstooge, One Million
Everybody Else, maybe 3?
I think I’m ahead!
That’s how I’d score it too.
It’s always good when both sides can agree on what the score is.
You are a winner!
And you know my secret strategy?
Eating pizza, as often as possible.
You have won five pairs of tights.
Oh here we go again…..
Only 5? With a score of One Million? I think I should win the ownership of Victoria’s Secret….
Did I say LADIES tights?
What other kind of tights are there?
A male ballet dancer. A male bank robber. There was a whole discussion yesterday.
I obviously missed that.
Well worth seeking out.
And under which post would this conversation have taken place?
Think it was Alex Bad’s Quiz yesterday, things degenerated after your exit.
Ahhh, yes. Your daily ultra-violence writings.
As therapy, I’m not sure it’s really working…..
Works for me.
Therapy is supposed to make you better, not more….
I am better than the Canuck Cue-ball