New Movies: Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) by Noah Bashore: A Midwestern Rom-Com of Connection and Healing
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 9
- 8 min read
Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) is a romantic comedy film directed by Noah Bashore. Inspired by "walk-and-talk" movies like Before Sunrise, it follows two lonely, Midwestern artists who, after sparking an untimely connection, decide to spend a poignant weekend together. The film explores themes of parental and religious trauma, the complexities of friendship, and the challenge of finding the right person at the wrong time, all while emphasizing the importance of "friendship-love." It marks Noah Bashore's feature film directorial debut.
Short Summary
Noah Bashore's Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) is a romantic comedy about two Midwestern artists with past traumas who spend a weekend together after an unexpected connection, exploring themes of love, friendship, and healing.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24222302/
About movie: https://www.solifilm.com/subsurface-copy
Link to watch: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/walter-grace-and-the-submarine/umc.cmc.24a8b2twu29uwa13347bhrnmm (US)
Detailed Summary
Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) is a romantic comedy and the feature film directorial debut of Noah Bashore. Inspired by "walk-and-talk" films such as Before Sunrise and Shthouse*, the movie centers on two young artists, Walter (Kyle Patrick) and Grace (Jessie Carl), who find an unexpected connection despite their lives heading in different directions. Walter is new to Grand Rapids, Michigan, while Grace is preparing to leave her hometown for Portland, Oregon. Over the course of a single weekend, they decide to spend time together, wandering the city of Grand Rapids and diving deep into vulnerable conversations about their pasts, including parental and religious trauma, and their unrealized talents. The film's narrative emphasizes that "friendship-love is just as important (if not more so) than romantic or familial love," highlighting the healing power of connection and shared vulnerability. It aims to be both humorous and melancholic, reflecting the complex emotions of dealing with trauma and finding solace in unexpected places. The film is set in Grand Rapids, Michigan, utilizing local landmarks as its backdrop.
Plot Summary
An Untimely Connection: Walter, new to Grand Rapids, and Grace, about to move to Portland, spark an unexpected romantic connection.
A Weekend Together: Despite the impending separation, they decide to spend one weekend together, exploring Grand Rapids.
Shared Vulnerabilities: During their time, they bond by sharing intimate stories of their pasts, including experiences with parental and religious trauma.
Exploration of Grand Rapids: The city's recognizable landmarks serve as the scenic backdrop for their deepening connection.
Testing the Connection: Their newfound bond is tested, forcing them to consider how they might fit into each other's futures, despite the "wrong time" of their meeting.
Themes of Healing: The film explores how healing from trauma can occur in strange and unexpected ways through human connection.
Director's Vision
Noah Bashore's directorial vision for Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) is deeply personal and aims to challenge conventions of the "mumblecore" genre while offering sincere emotional depth. His vision emphasizes:
Sincerity and Restraint: Bashore seeks to create a film that is genuinely heartfelt, contrasting with what he perceives as the often pretentious and thematically weightless aspects of typical mumblecore films.
Strength in Awkwardness: Instead of being lost in the inherent awkwardness of mumblecore, he aims to utilize it as a strength, allowing it to inform the characters' interactions authentically.
Importance of "Friendship-Love": A core message is that friendship-love holds equal or even greater importance than romantic or familial bonds, suggesting a focus on platonic intimacy and support.
Processing Trauma Through Humor: Bashore intends to explore how individuals cope with traumatic experiences through witty humor, creating a story that teeters between playfulness and melancholy, mirroring the process of healing.
Relatability and Connection: The film is "for everyone who feels isolated and 'crazy' because of those closest to them (and the internet)," aiming to provide a sense of validation and connection for those struggling with unspoken pain.
Authentic Midwestern Setting: The film is very much set in Grand Rapids, Michigan, using its recognizable landmarks to ground the story in a specific, lived-in environment.
Key Themes
Parental & Religious Trauma: The characters bond over shared experiences of past trauma, highlighting its lasting impact and the journey of healing.
Friendship-Love vs. Romantic Love: The film challenges traditional hierarchies of love, emphasizing the profound and healing power of deep platonic connections.
Finding Connection in Disconnection: It explores how two lonely individuals can forge a powerful bond even when circumstances (like an impending move) suggest it's "the wrong time."
Vulnerability and Openness: The narrative stresses the importance of sharing one's true self and struggles, contrasting with the tendency to "shut away vulnerability."
Identity and Self-Discovery: Through their shared experiences and conversations, Walter and Grace embark on a journey of self-understanding and acceptance.
Midwestern Authenticity: The setting itself becomes a character, subtly influencing the characters' perspectives and the film's grounded tone.
Key Success Factors
Relatable Human Story: The themes of trauma, connection, and self-discovery are universal, allowing a broad audience to connect with the characters' journey.
Unique Take on Rom-Com: By blending "walk-and-talk" elements with a focus on deeper psychological and emotional themes, it offers a fresh perspective on the romantic comedy genre.
Personal Vision of the Director: Noah Bashore's personal connection to the themes and setting brings authenticity and sincerity to the storytelling.
Challenging Genre Conventions: The film's approach to mumblecore demonstrates artistic ambition and a desire to elevate the style beyond its usual limitations.
Strong Central Performances: The success hinges on the chemistry and vulnerability of Kyle Patrick and Jessie Carl as Walter and Grace.
Awards and Nominations
As of early June 2025, Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) has been showcased at the Grand Rapids Film Festival, which is a significant platform for independent films. It was also listed as being in post-production with The Gotham Film & Media Institute's Fiscal Sponsorship program. While specific competitive awards or nominations have not been widely announced, its presence at these events indicates recognition within the independent film circuit.
Critical Reception
Critical reception for Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) is beginning to emerge, with early reviews highlighting its sincerity and ability to elevate its genre.
There Were No Gods Left: Praised the film for "Deploying uncommon sincerity and restraint," and for challenging the "often intolerable pretentiousness and thematic weightlessness so common to mumblecore." The review commended how Bashore "flips the usual vices of the niche style and turns them into strengths," creating a "smitten-laced film." It particularly noted the effective use of Grand Rapids landmarks as a backdrop.
Overall, initial reception suggests the film is viewed as a thoughtful and emotionally resonant work that stands out within the independent film landscape.
Reviews
Audience and wider critical reviews for Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) are still in early stages following its initial screenings. However, based on the film's description and early critical comments, reviews are likely to focus on:
Emotional Depth: Viewers will probably appreciate the film's honest and nuanced portrayal of trauma and healing.
Character Chemistry: The performances of Kyle Patrick and Jessie Carl will be key, with positive reviews highlighting their believable connection and vulnerable interactions.
Dialogue and Naturalism: As a "walk-and-talk" film, the strength of the dialogue and the naturalistic performances will be significant.
Relatability: Audiences who have experienced similar struggles or found solace in unexpected friendships may find the film deeply resonant.
Unique Blend of Humor and Melancholy: Reviews will likely comment on the film's ability to navigate both comedic and sad moments effectively.
Production Summary
Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) is Noah Bashore's feature film directorial debut. Bashore also wrote and produced the film. Other producers include Gillian Noonan and Kyle Patrick (who also stars as Walter). The film was a fiscally sponsored project through The Gotham Film & Media Institute. It was filmed in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Production Companies
SoliFilm Productions is listed as a production company, alongside The Gotham Film & Media Institute which provided fiscal sponsorship.
Distribution Companies
Apple TV (iTunes) is listed as a platform for pre-order and eventual streaming of Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024), indicating a digital distribution strategy.
Streaming Release Date
Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) is available for pre-order on Apple TV (iTunes). The release date for streaming is listed as June 10, 2025.
Theatrical Release
A specific wide theatrical release date for Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) has not been widely announced. Its primary initial public screenings have been at film festivals, including the Grand Rapids Film Festival.
Why to Recommend the Movie
Authentic Emotional Depth: The film delves into complex themes of trauma and healing with sincerity, offering a truly resonant experience.
Fresh Take on Rom-Com: It elevates the "walk-and-talk" subgenre by focusing on profound emotional connection and vulnerability over traditional romantic tropes.
Relatable Characters: Audiences will likely connect deeply with Walter and Grace as they navigate personal struggles and seek meaningful connection.
Strong Independent Voice: Noah Bashore's feature directorial debut showcases a distinctive vision and a commitment to character-driven storytelling.
Exploration of "Friendship-Love": The film's emphasis on the importance of platonic intimacy is a refreshing and vital theme.
Why to Watch the Movie
If you appreciate character-driven dramas with humor: The film expertly balances melancholy with witty dialogue.
To experience a nuanced portrayal of trauma and healing: It offers an honest look at how individuals process difficult pasts.
If you enjoy intimate, dialogue-heavy films: Like Before Sunrise, the film thrives on the conversations and evolving connection between its leads.
To support emerging independent filmmakers: Noah Bashore's debut promises a unique and personal cinematic voice.
For a story about finding connection in unexpected places: It explores the beauty of meeting the "right person at the wrong time."
Movie Trend
The film aligns with the trend of Intimate, Character-Driven Dramedies with a Mumblecore Aesthetic. This trend focuses on realistic dialogue, naturalistic performances, and low-key plots, often exploring relationships and personal growth. It also participates in the growing movement of Regionally-Specific Independent Cinema, utilizing local settings to enhance authenticity.
Social Trend
The film aligns with the social trend of Increased Openness About Mental Health and Trauma, and the Search for Authentic Connection. In a society where discussions around personal struggles are becoming more normalized, audiences seek narratives that reflect these experiences honestly. The film's emphasis on vulnerability, shared trauma, and the healing power of genuine human connection resonates deeply with a generation actively seeking emotional authenticity and support.
Final Verdict
Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024) marks a sincere and impactful feature directorial debut for Noah Bashore. This romantic comedy skillfully navigates themes of parental and religious trauma, the complexities of friendship, and the timing of human connection, all within the authentic backdrop of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Inspired by "walk-and-talk" films, it distinguishes itself with a genuine emotional depth and a commitment to portraying the healing power of "friendship-love." With its release on Apple TV, this film is poised to resonate with audiences seeking a thoughtful, humorous, and melancholic exploration of vulnerability and the unexpected paths to connection.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Embrace Personal Narratives: Draw inspiration from personal experiences and observations, as this can infuse your storytelling with authenticity and relatability.
Elevate Genre Conventions: Take established genres (like romantic comedy or mumblecore) and challenge their typical tropes, injecting deeper thematic complexity and emotional nuance.
Prioritize Character and Dialogue: Focus on crafting compelling characters and natural, meaningful dialogue that drives the narrative and reveals inner lives.
Utilize Local Settings: Allow your filming locations to become integral parts of the story, lending authenticity and character to the film.
Seek Fiscal Sponsorship: For independent projects, programs like The Gotham's fiscal sponsorship can provide crucial support and credibility.
Recommendations for the Movie Industry
Support Emerging Voices: Invest in and promote new directors like Noah Bashore who bring fresh perspectives and a commitment to intimate, character-driven storytelling.
Recognize Nuanced Rom-Coms: Champion films that go beyond traditional romantic comedy tropes to explore deeper emotional and psychological themes.
Expand Digital Distribution: Leverage platforms like Apple TV to ensure that independent films with strong artistic merit can reach wider audiences globally.
Value Authenticity: Prioritize films that offer genuine portrayals of human experience, even when tackling sensitive subjects like trauma, as these resonate deeply with viewers.
Promote Regional Talent: Highlight and support filmmakers who are telling stories rooted in specific geographic locations, enriching the diversity of cinematic narratives.
Final Conclusions
Walter, Grace & the Submarine (2024), Noah Bashore's impressive feature debut, is a heartfelt romantic comedy that delves into the intricacies of human connection, trauma, and healing. By following two artists on an unexpected weekend journey, the film masterfully balances humor and melancholy, offering a nuanced exploration of "friendship-love" and shared vulnerability. Its authentic Grand Rapids setting and Bashore's personal vision contribute to a genuine and relatable cinematic experience. With its upcoming streaming release, the film is set to connect with audiences who appreciate intimate, character-driven stories that resonate with contemporary discussions on mental health and the search for meaningful bonds.
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