We are the tide

We Are the Tide is a compelling and thought-provoking German drama film, directed by Sebastian Hilger. The film was released in 2016 and plays to the strengths of its lead actors, Max Mauff (Benjamin) and Lana Cooper (Flora). The compelling narrative, engaging performances, and the director's firm grasp of atmospheric storytelling offer cinema-goers an immersive cinematic experience.

The story is set against the backdrop of the picturesque small town located on the German coast. Fifteen years prior to the unfolding of the central plot, the waters around the town receded, and mysteriously, the children of the community mysteriously disappeared. The event, unprecedented in its occurrence, changed the social and emotional fabric of the town. The screenplay explores how a community copes with such an inexplicable tragedy, the swirling theories, and the impact it has had on the residents.

Enter Benjamin (Max Mauff), a young and eager physicist, driven by the irresistible pull of this mystery. Benjamin is determined to understand the mind-boggling phenomenon scientifically and hopes to uncover what happened years ago. He believes in the power of science and is convinced that there must be a rational explanation for the eerie event. His relentless pursuit of the truth is underpinned by a sincere desire to provide closure to the grieving community.

Cooper’s character, Flora, a local waitress who was just a child at the time when the incident occurred, forms a close bond with Benjamin. Curiosity blends with budding affection as they delve deeper into the enigma of the disappearing sea and the lost children. Lana Cooper's portrayal of Flora is impressive, showcasing her broad emotional range as her character binds the narrative together.

As Benjamin and Flora grapple with the mystery at the heart of the town and their growing attraction for each other, they also must navigate the local residents' resistance. Their efforts to alter the town’s staunch acceptance of the tragic event as an unsolvable mystery forms a central theme in the narrative.

We Are the Tide uses stunning visuals and breathtaking cinematography to designate the town and its rugged coastline almost as a character in the film, echoing the emotional turmoil of its human inhabitants and reflecting the eerie and mystical mood of the narrative. The hauntingly beautiful scenery, coupled with the mind-boggling mystery and a compelling and occasionally heart-rending exploration of human emotion, makes this film an engaging watch.

Hilger brilliantly combines elements of mystery, drama, and thrill in this narrative. On one hand, he presents a profound exploration of human emotions when faced with unexplainable loss. On the other, he offers an intriguing scientific thrill ride with a tinge of the supernatural. Yet, the real charm of We Are the Tide isn't merely in its compelling plotline. It lies in its ability to explore universal themes about loss, longing for closure, and the persistent human desire to make sense of seemingly inexplicable phenomena.

We Are the Tide is rich in subtext and symbolism and subtly encourages the viewer to consider complex questions about the nature of belief, acceptance, grief, and scientific faith.

The atmospheric score and sound design further fuel the progression of the narrative, finely balanced to accentuate the deep, emotional undercurrents of the story without overpowering the unfolding drama.

In conclusion, We Are the Tide is a beautifully crafted film that offers a profound exploration of human emotions and our quest for understanding the unexplained. It sends viewers on a journey that is as breathtaking as it is haunting, as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Above all, the film stands as a testament to the power of belief and the relentless human spirit that continually seeks answers to the mysteries of the universe.