Eye For Film >> Movies >> On The Sea (2025) Film Review
Like a slow-burning fuse Helen Walsh’s second feature, after 2015’s The Violators, finds its strength in the subtlety of the writing and the power of the understated performances, in particular the central duo of Barry Ward and Lorne MacFadyen.
Shot in the brooding atmosphere of a claustrophobic community on the Welsh coast where religion still exerts an iron-grip on the moral compass of the close-knit community, Walsh concerns herself with the explosive ripples from the slow revelation that Ward’s character Jack (owner of a mussel farming business) harbours a dark secret.
When incomer Daniel, an itinerant deck hand arrives to work on the boats, they embark on a passionate liaison as Jack comes to terms with his own sexuality, more or less hidden from his wife Maggie (Liz White) whom he has known since his school days. The contrast between the two men could not be more striking with Daniel at ease with his emotions while Jack has long repressed his true feelings for fear of hurting his wife, son and wider family as well the judgement of the whole community.
Walsh handles the sexual scenes with sensitivity as the relationship moves from carnal passion to a caring understanding of their emotional and physical needs. How Jack navigates his way out of the discovery of his true self forms the basis of Walsh’s exploration of sexual identity and masculinity.
Shot against the background of the daily toil of mussel bed workers and the stark light of the surging seas and stark headlands, the film has an atmospheric sense of place - an oppressive yet scenic presence that exerts a love-hate relationship for those who live there and earn their livelihoods from what is a dying tradition.
Much of it is undeniably bleak but ultimately the film finds a note of hope and optimism and demonstrates how a good deal of compassion and understanding can emerge from the confrontation of someone’s worst fears. Walsh in a revealing moment shows how the girlfriend (Leisa Gwenllian) of Jack’s son offers consolation and understanding, providing an indication that a different generation could have a much more tolerant attitude.
Reviewed on: 18 Aug 2025
