Seagrass is a heavy and tough watch, but at the same time it will have viewers thinking about their lives, and what makes them happy.
Seagrass is one of those movies that can be extremely difficult to watch at times, but is absolutely worth it in the end as it will change you forever, just as this family is changed by the end of the movie. It follows Judith (Ally Maki) as she struggles with the recent death of her mother. She brings her husband and two daughters with her on a retreat to hopefully heal her mental health, and as she goes deeper down this path, she discovers what is most important to her in life.
Essentially a divorce trauma, with a handful of thriller vibes, Seagrass can absolutely be triggering for some. It not only explores the relationship that Judith has with her husband, but it showcases the effect that it has on their children – especially when the end of the movie rolls around. There are some moments that, as a parent, I was holding my breath and rocking on the edge of my seat, it gets that intense.
Even for those who are in an extremely happy relationship, aspects of Seagrass are certainly relatable. We have all had those bad days. We all have trauma that has stuck with us for one reason or another. And we have all had those days where we snap because too much is happening at once, even on those who do not deserve it.
While the entire cast is great (yes, even the young child actors), Ally Maki absolutely steals the show. She is incredible in this film. Her performance is nuanced and subtle. It is strong and soft at the same time. She clearly brought her A-game to the table when playing Judith. There are moments where viewers will want to just hug her and tell her that it will all be okay.
The ending of Seagrass feels abrupt at first, but when given time to settle, it just makes sense. It is the end of the story that is being told and dragging the movie on any further would have done it a disservice. This movie is one that will sit with me for a long time, and likely many others. It will open eyes. It will make people think. And it will, hopefully, cause viewers to put their heart and soul into what makes them happy, and to not settle for any less.
Rating: 3 out of 5
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About Seagrass
Desperate to find a deeper connection in her marriage after the recent death of her mother, Judith, a Japanese Canadian woman, brings her family to a self-development retreat on a remote island. But when they befriend another interracial couple who seem to have the perfect marriage, Judith begins to recognize how irreparably fractured her relationship is. Meanwhile, their two daughters are plunged into a destabilizing world under the constant stress of their parents’ crumbling relationship. In the end, the family must collectively face their most unnerving insecurities before they become permanently broken.
Seagrass is opening in select theaters nationwide on Friday, February 23rd.