We Are Boats

Set against a unique backdrop of mortality and transcendence, We Are Boats is a hauntingly beautiful cinematic journey that sets the traditional understanding of life and death on its head. Released in 2018, this film is rich in emotion and loaded with esoteric symbolism, anchored by powerful performances from a well-curated ensemble cast featuring the likes of Amanda Plummer, Angela Sarafyan, and Graham Greene.

We Are Boats begins with a somber note, depicting the sudden and tragic death of Francesca (Angela Sarafyan), a single mother trying to balance her demanding job with the troubles of raising her young daughter. However, Francesca finds herself in a limbo-like state after death, where she is assigned a cryptic spiritual journey by a mysterious entity played by Uzo Aduba. This journey takes her on an expedition where she subtly influences the lives of people she encounters along the way, creating a ripple effect through the tapestry of interwoven narratives.

Each person with whom she comes in contact with is dealing with their own battles, whether it's unrequited love, estranged relationships, or an inner quest for purpose. Francesca, as an ethereal guide, navigates their lives in unexpected ways, often nudging them toward decisions that can change their respective destinieties. As she glides between these stories, audiences are treated to an exploration of the human experience that is so deeply intimate that it feels voyeuristic.

Amanda Plummer delivers a moving performance as Freddie, a somber, yet kind-hearted woman, searching for love and connection after past heartbreaks. Her life becomes intertwined with the troubled Lucas, played by Luke Hemsworth, a seemingly hapless man embroiled in a cycle of neuroses and personal loss. The ensemble cast each produce riveting performances, adding depth and complexity to their intricately interconnected characters.

Angela Sarafyan stands out in her role as the protagonist Francesca, as she convinces us to willingly suspend disbelief and get drawn into the web of interconnected narratives. Observing the lives and tribulations of these humans, she begins to question her own existence and purpose. The delicate dance between life and death is depicted through Francesca’s eyes, eliciting poignant emotions around love and grief, fate and free will, and forgiveness and redemption.

Graham Greene shines as Bob, a seemingly ordinary man saddled with the unbearable weight of a tragic secret. His quiet strength and vulnerability infuse a sense of palpable sorrow and pathos to the narrative. The lives of Bob, Freddie, Lucas, and others intersect in unexpected ways, all under the invisible hand of Francesca, subtly nudging them towards catharsis and personal transformation.

We Are Boats is not just a film, but an experience, a breathtaking plunge into the depths of the human psyche where love, loss, and redemption swim in a turbulent sea of emotions. The film challenges the boundaries of storytelling, going beyond the conventional to touch upon themes like spirituality and metaphysics. Director and writer James Bird crafts an emotionally tangled narrative with elements of magical realism that are reminiscent of the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Salman Rushdie. His unique vision is beautifully complemented by cinematographer Stefan Colson’s deft shots, which highlight the often-overlooked beauty in everyday moments, turning the mundane into something magical.

In its most profound moments, We Are Boats ponders over the idea of life and death, and the blurred lines in between. It delves into the 'what ifs' of every decision, examining how the ripple effects of our actions can alter not just our own lives, but also the lives of those around us. Are we really masters of our own circumstances, or are we mere boats set adrift in an ocean of uncontrollable cause and effect? These questions hover over the film as each character struggles to navigate their own troubled waters, ultimately making the audience reflect on their understanding of life, afterlife, destiny, and choices.

Through captivating performances, intriguing storytelling, and stunning visuals, We Are Boats crafts a unique tale that will leave audiences spellbound. It is a film that is philosophical, engrossing, and deeply thought-provoking, taking its viewers on a philosophical journey through life’s vibrant tapestry, woven with threads of love, loss, and human connection.