Aquarians

Aquarians from 2017 is a drama film that focuses on the themes of friendship, family, faith, and the harsh realities of life in a small town. The film stars Chandler Massey, Shane Coffey, and Tracey Fairaway in prominent roles, and is set in the frigid winter of Door County, Wisconsin.

The plot revolves around the protagonist Daniel (played by Chandler Massey), a seminarian and committed follower of his faith. Daniel, after a stint of religious studies out of town, returns to his native place. Part of his motivations for returning is the desire to reconnect with his estranged twin brother Jake (played by Shane Coffey). This reunification, however, doesn’t come off as easy. Jake and Daniel could not be further apart in terms of their attitudes towards life and their individual world views.

Jake finds it hard to escape the small-town ennui, living an aimless and lackluster life. However, when Daniel arrives with his seminary roommate, a Catholic prohibitionist, the friction between Jake and Daniel intensifies to the brink of destructiveness.

The center stage of Aquarians is the relationship dynamics between these two brothers, painted against the subtle undertones of religion. While Daniel is committed to spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church, Jake is less inclined to believe, or even interested in listening.

Over the course of the film, their relationship endures trials, tribulations, and watershed moments. Their interaction widens the gap between them, unveiling their differences with raw honesty. Jake and Daniel’s differences extend beyond just their beliefs to their perspective of their immediate gallows—their small quaint town of Sturgeon Bay.

This convenient setting plays as much of a character in the film as our dynamic duo. The town’s beautiful emptiness, its quiet roads that bear witness to the brother’s tumultuous relationship. The setting, almost subconsciously, gives us a metaphorical insight into Daniel and Jake's state of mind and feelings. It is as much a part of their story, echoing their sentiments and reflecting their emotional states in its backdrop.

Numerous cinematic moments are created owing to the apt juxtaposition of the characters against the landscape that is both breathtaking and scarily isolating. The stark winter of Wisconsin adds an additional texture to the film while enhancing the bleak elements of its storytelling.

The film explores the theme of faith in a subtle and nuanced way. It isn't necessarily religious but instead encompasses belief, conviction, and connection. The narrative is filled with underlying questions about faith, with religion acting as a conduit to these questions. It portrays a striking yet realistic depiction of how faith is not just about religion but about its influence on personal identity, self-growth, and relationships.

The film is poignantly narrated and takes time with its characters, giving them plenty of room to develop organically. Shane Coffey and Chandler Massey put on nuanced performances that bring their roles to life. Both actors convey raw emotion with subtlety, giving depth and realism to their interactions. The sisters-in-law Tracey Fairaway plays the role of Sarah, a harmonizing character who brings a breath of fresh air to the intense storyline.

In conclusion, Aquarians is a touching and thoughtful exploration of relationships, faith, and small-town life. The captivating performances, the stunning cinematography, and the carefully crafted narrative contribute towards the film's emotional resonance, making it a worthwhile watch. The film stands out for its honesty in depicting the flaws, diversities, and complexities of human characters and their relationships, taking its viewers on a journey that is both thought-provoking and reminiscent of the fragilities and strengths inherent in us all.