Fiona (Alberta Watson) returns home to isolated Ironbound Island after her mother left her the family home. She brought her depressed daughter Claire (Julia Brendler) who suffered a devastating loss. They are greeted by Fiona's uncle Peat. Claire is pushed to deliver a package to bitter writer Celia (Lynn Redgrave). Celia tells Claire a story about the island's past when fish was plenty. Silly (Kirsten Dunst) was born on the fish cutting table. Her mother Rose was a mainlander and everybody is keeping the island lore from her. They suspect Silly to be the special one. On her death bed, Rose makes Silly promise her not to go into the water. Then one day, the fish disappears.
It's a story within a story. The modern story has Lynn Redgrave anchoring it. She brings her professionalism and powerful acting. The story within the story has Kirsten Dunst doing some good work. The story has a poetic sadness. The production is a little too indie. It doesn't have the magic that the story requires. Writer/director Sheri Elwood doesn't have the compelling visual style and the movie does struggle with pacing. It's a fair movie about sadness and loss.
It's a story within a story. The modern story has Lynn Redgrave anchoring it. She brings her professionalism and powerful acting. The story within the story has Kirsten Dunst doing some good work. The story has a poetic sadness. The production is a little too indie. It doesn't have the magic that the story requires. Writer/director Sheri Elwood doesn't have the compelling visual style and the movie does struggle with pacing. It's a fair movie about sadness and loss.