Movie of the Day: Blue (2024) by David Smith
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 22
- 6 min read
Link to watch: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-David-Smith/dp/B0F344NSC1/ (UK)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19135298/
"Blue (2024)" by David Smith: A Poignant Tale of Fishermen and Grief
"Blue (2024)," directed and written by David J Smith, is a moving independent drama set against the rugged backdrop of the Southwest coast of England. The film offers an intimate look into the lives of a father and son navigating the challenges of their livelihood and the profound impact of personal loss.
About Movie (Detailed Summary)
Set in the visually striking coastal region of the Southwest of England, "Blue" tells the story of John Winter (Paul Breen) and his son, Charlie (Alfie Noble), two fishermen struggling to sustain their living on a small commercial fishing boat. Their shared endeavor is not only physically demanding but also highlights underlying tensions and complexities within their relationship. The narrative takes a significant turn following a major loss in their lives, which forces both John and Charlie to confront intense emotions they are ill-equipped to handle. The film sensitively explores their individual journeys of grief and the difficult process of healing, set against the ever-present backdrop of the sea and the harsh realities of the fishing industry. Described as a story beautifully told, "Blue" emphasizes character and emotional depth, aiming to connect the audience to the struggles and resilience of its protagonists.
Plot Summary
The plot of "Blue" follows John and Charlie, a father and son working as fishermen on the Southwest coast of England. Their already challenging relationship is further tested by a significant loss, forcing them to confront their grief and navigate emotional obstacles while continuing their demanding livelihood.
Director's Vision
David J Smith, an experienced filmmaker from the UK with a background in cinematography, envisioned "Blue" as a story centered on character and emotional connection. Drawing inspiration from the evocative landscapes of the Southwest coast, particularly Cadgwith Cove, he aimed to capture the beauty and harshness of the setting to complement the characters' internal struggles. Smith's writer's statement highlights his focus on crafting authentic and well-developed characters whose journeys resonate with the audience. Having worked with lead actor Paul Breen previously, Smith wrote the main protagonist role with Breen in mind, indicating a collaborative spirit and a vision for performance-driven storytelling. The film's low budget likely influenced a grounded and realistic approach, emphasizing the raw emotions and experiences of the fishermen.
Themes
Grief and Loss: A central theme exploring the different ways individuals process and cope with significant personal loss.
Father-Son Relationships: The film delves into the complexities, challenges, and unspoken emotions within the bond between a father and son.
The Struggles of Traditional Livelihoods: The movie highlights the economic and emotional hardships faced by those working in traditional industries like commercial fishing.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The characters' continued efforts despite their emotional pain and the demands of their work showcase human resilience.
The Power of Place: The stark and beautiful coastal setting serves as more than just a backdrop, influencing the mood and reflecting the characters' isolation and connection to their environment.
Key Success Factors
Based on available information, key success factors for "Blue" include:
Compelling Character Focus: The emphasis on the emotional journeys of the father and son resonates with viewers and critics who appreciate character-driven dramas.
Authentic Setting and Atmosphere: Filming in real coastal locations in Southwest England contributes to the film's authenticity and creates a strong sense of place.
Dedicated Independent Filmmaking: The successful completion of the film on a low budget, supported by crowdfunding, demonstrates the passion and dedication of the filmmakers and their community.
Positive Early Reception: Favorable user reviews on platforms like IMDb and positive responses at local screenings indicate that the film has connected with its initial audience.
Summary Short
"Blue (2024)" is a low-budget British drama by David J Smith about two struggling fishermen, a father and son in Southwest England, who must confront their difficult relationship and deep grief after a major loss.
Critics Reception
Detailed critical reception from a wide range of professional critics for "Blue (2024)" is not widely available in public search results. The film appears to have had a limited release, focusing on festival screenings and local showings, which typically receive less coverage from major review outlets.
However, user reviews on platforms like IMDb offer some insight. One featured user review on IMDb gives the film a perfect 10/10, calling it "Amazing" and a "fabulous film, a few tears shed." The reviewer praised the storytelling, setting, and the realistic performances of the actors, particularly Paul Breen, and commended the low-budget production and beautiful music score.
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Based on the limited publicly available information, the film has been positively received by early viewers and at local screenings, particularly for its emotional impact, authentic portrayal of its characters, and atmospheric setting, especially considering its independent, low-budget nature. A broader critical consensus from professional reviewers is not yet established.
Reviews
Specific reviews from professional film criticism websites are not readily available for "Blue (2024)." The primary review found is a highly positive user review on IMDb, which highlights the film's emotional resonance, realistic acting, and strong sense of place as key strengths. Local news coverage of screenings also indicates a positive reception from community audiences.
Production
"Blue (2024)" was produced with an estimated budget of £5,000 (approximately $6,300 USD at the time of searching), highlighting its status as a micro-budget independent film. The film was brought to life with the support of crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like Indiegogo and Kickstarter. Principal photography took place in the Southwest of England, with specific mention of Cadgwith Cove as a key filming location. David J Smith served as both director and writer, and also as a cinematographer on the film. Paul Breen is listed as a producer in addition to his leading role. The film had a runtime of around 70-73 minutes.
Production Companies
The 360 Studios: (Country: United Kingdom) - Listed as a production company.
Blue Focus Films: (Country: United Kingdom) - Listed as a production company, potentially associated with the director.
Theatrical Release
"Blue (2024)" had a theatrical release in the United Kingdom starting on January 17, 2024. It has also been screened at various film festivals and through local film societies, such as the Beer Film Society in Devon, England.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Authentic Portrayal of Human Emotion: The film is praised for its sensitive and realistic depiction of grief and complex relationships.
Evocative Setting: The stunning coastal landscapes of Southwest England provide a powerful and atmospheric backdrop that enhances the story.
Inspiring Independent Filmmaking: As a successful micro-budget production, it serves as an inspiration and a testament to what can be achieved with passion and resourcefulness.
Why to Watch Movie
For a Moving and Character-Driven Story: If you appreciate dramas that focus on the emotional journeys of well-developed characters, "Blue" is likely to resonate with you.
Experience the Beauty of the Southwest Coast: The film offers a visually compelling portrayal of its unique coastal setting.
Support Independent Cinema: Watching "Blue" helps support independent filmmakers telling personal and regionally specific stories.
What Movie Trend film is following
The film aligns with the trend of regional and social realist cinema in the UK, focusing on authentic stories and characters within specific geographical and socioeconomic contexts. It also fits within the broader trend of low-budget independent filmmaking enabled by accessible technology and crowdfunding.
What Big Social Trend is following
The movie touches upon the social trend of the challenges facing traditional industries and coastal communities in the face of modernization and economic pressures. It also reflects the universal experience of dealing with grief and mental health within families.
Final Verdict
"Blue (2024)" by David J Smith is a heartfelt and impactful independent drama that succeeds in telling a moving story of family, loss, and resilience against a beautifully rendered backdrop. While its low budget and limited initial release mean it may not have the widespread critical attention of larger productions, the positive early reception and the evident passion behind the filmmaking suggest a film that connects deeply with its audience on an emotional level. It is a commendable achievement in independent cinema and a worthwhile watch for those seeking authentic, character-driven stories rooted in a strong sense of place.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Embrace Your Setting: Utilize the unique characteristics of your filming location to enrich the narrative and create a distinct visual identity for your film, especially on a limited budget.
Focus on Character and Emotion: Invest time in developing authentic characters and exploring their emotional arcs, as strong performances and relatable human stories can resonate deeply with audiences regardless of budget.
Explore Alternative Funding and Distribution: Crowdfunding and targeting local screenings and film festivals can be effective strategies for independent filmmakers to get their projects made and seen.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Regional and Independent Voices: Actively seek out and support filmmakers working outside of major production centers, as they often offer fresh perspectives and authentic stories rooted in specific communities.
Recognize the Value of Character-Driven Dramas: Ensure that there are platforms and opportunities for smaller, character-focused films to reach audiences who appreciate intimate and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Create Pathways for Festival and Locally Acclaimed Films: Develop stronger mechanisms for films that perform well at festivals or gain traction within specific communities to achieve broader distribution, including curated streaming collections.
Comments