Walking on Water

Walking on Water is a pivotal creation in the field of Australian cinema. Produced by Liz Watts and directed by Tony Ayres, this film magnificently winds some sensitive yet imperative aspects of life, friendship, and death into a compelling narrative. The film won multiple awards at film festivals due to its unique story and robust characterization. It runs for 90 minutes and gets under your skin effortlessly, making it an absorbing watch.

The main plot revolves around three friends: Charlie, Anna, and Gavin, portrayed by Vince Colosimo, Maria Theodorakis, and Nathaniel Dean respectively. The story takes a dramatic turn when one of them is diagnosed with a terminal illness and their bonds of friendship are put to the test by the magnitude of the situation. Rather than treating death as a taboo or something shunned, Walking on Water commendably portrays it as an inevitable part of life.

Vince Colosimo as Charlie delivers an unforgettable performance. He's an irritating yet lovable character who is well-formed and layered. Colosimo has given the character credence, shaping Charlie as a flawed individual who carries both compassion and self-centeredness. His personal voyage throughout the story, while dealing with death, grief, guilt, and the sequential changes in his relationships, forms a substantial part of the film.

Maria Theodorakis as Anna, provides the film an additional hint of authenticity. Anna emerges as the peacemaker in the group and contributes critically to the film's emotional plot. The impact of her friend's illness on her and the decisions she makes under unwelcome circumstances render her character indispensable to the film. She is not just presented in black and white but pulsates between intense emotions, showing the different shades of her character.

Nathaniel Dean as Gavin blends flawlessly into his role. He creates an affecting portrayal of a person wanting to die with dignity, culminating in an impactful image for the viewers. The hope, sorrow, intensity, and the range portrayed by him are just incredible. His journey through his final days of life tests not just his friends but also the audience themselves.

Walking on Water gracefully describes the lives of the trio, shifting through different phases of their relationships. The Director, Tony Ayres, beautifully captures raw emotions and the subtleties of their friendship. As the narrative progresses, it explores the characters' reactions to death, loss, and dying, which pierces through the audience, leaving them highly moved.

This film dives into a challenging situation that brings out the best and worst in people. It candidly demonstrates how individuals differ in their approach and reactions to grief and loss. The complexities between Anna and Charlie get intense as the story unfolds. The intricate dynamics of this bond form an intriguing part of the film, proving how death and loss can unleash a spiral of emotions.

Another highlight in Walking on Water is its richness in the cinematic experience. The cinematography contributes immensely to the film's charm, capturing the diverse emotions in a manner that resonates with its audience. The attention to detail in sets and visuals creates a relatable world that enhances the dramatic effect.

Furthermore, the film's background score further intensifies the emotional undercurrents of the film. The music blends seamlessly with the movie's storyline, managing to evoke a profound connect with the audience.

The honesty in handling such a sensitive topic influencing relationships sets Walking on Water apart from others in the genre. The transformation of personalities, dynamics, and relationships, as well as the exploration of forgiveness, anger, grief, and acceptance, forms the crux of the story, making it a genuinely touching and impressive accomplishment.

In a nutshell, Walking on Water is an elegantly directed film that touches upon death and the dynamic of friendship under strain, making it a compelling watch. This emotionally intense cinematic piece will leave viewers with a deep reflection on friendship, loss, acceptance and the complexity of human emotions. It is a beautiful tribute to the rawness of life, the brittleness of relationships, and the hard truth about death that we often fear to confront.