A coming-of-age story philosophically inter-woven into a rather detailed exploration of freshwater angle fishing, this movie is pleasantly unique and, oddly, manages to be both relaxing and thought-provoking. While those into fishing will almost certainly find it particularly enjoyable for its "fishing-talk," I believe that most of those who love contemplating such fundamental issues of human existence as the meaning of people's lives and the place of love and social connections in human lives will also find much to enjoy about it. Personally, I found its emphasis on the importance of human connections in people's lives and its critique of ordinary notions of "success" to be among its major positive highlights. However, I found its pseudo-philosophical attempts at introducing a spiritual/religious dimension to its story to be somewhat under-developed and cringeworthy.
Besides its philosophical themes, I also found the romance arc involving Gus Orviston (played by Zach Gilford) and Eddy (Amber Heard) to be quite captivating. This, to a great extent, is due to the performances of Gilford and Heard, whose chemistry as the two awkward "fishing nerds", Orviston and Eddy, is as heartwarming as it is funny and engaging. At this point, I must single out Heard's performance and say that for those familiar with her movie performances, they will definitely know, after watching this movie, what I'm talking about by saying that Heard breathes into Eddy such agency, authenticity, and beauty that seem almost impossible to imagine would another actor have played her. And, I like that, contrary to what some directors had done to her characters in her earlier movies by that time, Matthew Leutwyler (director) did not oversexualize and objectify her character in this movie even as she was the love interest of the protagonist.
Another thing positive about this movie is its rustic and isolated, yet communal, setting and mood especially as exposed through excellent cinematography and writing. Its positive messages about the importance of protecting the environment are also commendable in their subtlety and significance.
That said and opposed to its positive aspects, are the movies negativities including: Its lack of racial diversity, its poor gender diversity and representation, and its promotion of gun ownership alongside its promotion of harmful gender stereotypes.
In conclusion, I recommend the movie the most to lovers of coming-of-age dramas and romances as well as to fishing and environmental protection enthusiasts/nerds. I also recommend it strongly to fans of Amber Heard because, I assure them, this is a must-watch for anyone interested in Heard's film career. Although less strongly, I recommend the movie to philosophically-minded individuals as well as to anyone else that is looking for a feel-good but thought-provoking movie. In the end, I give the movie a 9 instead of the 7 I would likely have given it for its cons, just because of Heard's magnificent performance in it alongside Gilford.
Besides its philosophical themes, I also found the romance arc involving Gus Orviston (played by Zach Gilford) and Eddy (Amber Heard) to be quite captivating. This, to a great extent, is due to the performances of Gilford and Heard, whose chemistry as the two awkward "fishing nerds", Orviston and Eddy, is as heartwarming as it is funny and engaging. At this point, I must single out Heard's performance and say that for those familiar with her movie performances, they will definitely know, after watching this movie, what I'm talking about by saying that Heard breathes into Eddy such agency, authenticity, and beauty that seem almost impossible to imagine would another actor have played her. And, I like that, contrary to what some directors had done to her characters in her earlier movies by that time, Matthew Leutwyler (director) did not oversexualize and objectify her character in this movie even as she was the love interest of the protagonist.
Another thing positive about this movie is its rustic and isolated, yet communal, setting and mood especially as exposed through excellent cinematography and writing. Its positive messages about the importance of protecting the environment are also commendable in their subtlety and significance.
That said and opposed to its positive aspects, are the movies negativities including: Its lack of racial diversity, its poor gender diversity and representation, and its promotion of gun ownership alongside its promotion of harmful gender stereotypes.
In conclusion, I recommend the movie the most to lovers of coming-of-age dramas and romances as well as to fishing and environmental protection enthusiasts/nerds. I also recommend it strongly to fans of Amber Heard because, I assure them, this is a must-watch for anyone interested in Heard's film career. Although less strongly, I recommend the movie to philosophically-minded individuals as well as to anyone else that is looking for a feel-good but thought-provoking movie. In the end, I give the movie a 9 instead of the 7 I would likely have given it for its cons, just because of Heard's magnificent performance in it alongside Gilford.