A Rising Tide

A Rising Tide is a 2015 American drama feature film directed by Ben Hickernell and starring Hunter Parrish, Ashley Hinshaw, and Tim Daly. An earnest, heartening tale of resilience, love, and dreams, the movie showcases an intricately woven narrative that seamlessly envelops the enchanting charm of the coastal culinary world with the gut-wrenching impact of natural calamities.

The film centers around Sam Rama (played by Hunter Parrish), a young, ambitious chef whose family-owned restaurant is devastated by Superstorm Sandy, which hits the shores of New Jersey and wreaks havoc, causing unprecedented destruction. Rama hails from a family that has been in the restaurant business for generations, making their eatery more than just a place serving food. It is a place rife with tradition, sentiment, and love. But after the storm, Sam is abruptly left with the rubble of his dream and the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding everything from scratch.

Down but not defeated, Sam decides to use the insurance settlement to start a new restaurant in an upscale part of town. His culinary skills and passion for food are all he has to make it successful. Playing the character with abundant charm and depth, Hunter Parrish accurately captures the essence of a young man faced with trying circumstances, pushing beyond his boundaries to achieve his dreams.

In the midst of the struggle, Sam crosses paths with Sarah Bell (Ashley Hinshaw), the high-spirited, beautiful daughter of his affluent landlord, Tom Bell (Tim Daly). Sarah's character, at first glance, exemplifies the privileged, upper-class stereotype. However, as the narrative unfolds, she reveals her vulnerable side, breaking free from societal expectations and conforming to her true desires. Her unexpected romance with Sam adds a touching, poignant layer to the story.

Tom Bell's character, admirably played by Tim Daly, is a complex mix of a dominant businessman with a soft-hearted father. He's wary of Sam's business proposition and skeptical about the potential success of the new restaurant. However, his character subtly shows the internal battle between his business instincts and the blossoming relationship between his daughter and Sam.

A Rising Tide exemplifies the adage "every cloud has a silver lining". The film beautifully showcases the struggle and resilience of its lead characters against the calamitous backdrop of natural disaster. Smiles, stirring dialogues, and bittersweet moments punctuate the movie, making it an utterly absorbing watch.

The director, Ben Hickernell, crafts a captivating, stand-out story, using Superstorm Sandy destruction as a consequential backdrop, focusing on the profound effects it has on Sam's life, his dreams, his relationships, and his self-growth. Hickernell expertly presents the underlying themes of love, loss, grief, resilience, and personal growth with thoughtful skillfulness and subtlety.

The backdrop of the gastronomic world adds a quaint charm to this film. It highlights the love for fine dining, exciting the audience with enticing glimpses into the dance between creation and consumption in the fickle world of fancy gastronomy.

One of the film's major strengths lies in its well-crafted characters and the performances of its cast. Parrish is compelling in his role as Sam, convincingly portraying his character's strength and vulnerability with a visceral intensity. Hinshaw is just as impressive, perfectly embodying her character's growth throughout the film's narrative. Tim Daly, equally good, gives a commendable performance as a shrewd businessman with a soft side.

A Rising Tide uses a well-chosen, understated soundtrack that augments the pensive tone of the film. The cinematography is impeccable – the lush, exquisite images of the food juxtaposed with the stark, grim visuals of the storm's aftermath evoke a myriad of emotions. It is proof of Hickernell's artful storytelling, as he navigates the audio-visual medium expertly.

To conclude, A Rising Tide is a brilliantly executed tale of resilience, love, and pursuit of dreams in the wake of a disaster. It serves as a warm, profoundly moving treat for viewers, catering to more than just the palate. So, if you're a fan of well-curated romantic dramas with a pinch of culinary excellence, A Rising Tide should definitely find a place on your watchlist.