We Are the Sea

In We are the Sea, Sean frantically attempts to clean up a large blood stain on the carpet. He is a somber high-school teacher with little interest in anything, who finds guiding lights in the form of new friendships with radiant and optimistic janitor Billy and sharp student Laine, in a film about emotional awakenings.

Festival critics have lauded Neil Truglio’s film for its intelligence and skillful use of formal tools. Excellent cinematography uses specific colors to portray different characters, while proficient acting, especially from young Allison Savoy, who portrays Sean’s yellow-backpack toting daughter, make us believe in Sean as he begins to care.

We Are the Sea, somewhat reminiscent of a modern morality play, is augmented by the expressive music of Iron & Wine, which the director claims, actually inspired the movie. Importantly, the film does not overdo it on the didactics and mentoring, charming instead with realism and an optimistic message.

Samuel Nowak