Tides

Four thirtysomethings find some much-needed time to reconnect in this beautifully observed and subtly insightful debut.

On a balmy English summer afternoon, friends Zooby and Jon, Red and Simon, set aboard the canal boat they have hired for the weekend. The foursome bask in each other’s company, laughing, catching up and getting drunk. But while the break provides a welcome respite from daily life, Jon appears distant and introspective, hinting at a personal tragedy that the others are hesitant to address.

Taking place almost entirely in the tight confines of the narrowboat, Tupaq Felber’s agile first feature is a work of striking intimacy, filled with subtle observations and quiet insight. With the striking black and white photography lending a subtle sense of the cinematic and uniformly excellent performances from the small cast, this naturalistic drama is a heartfelt testament to the power of friendship.