“What rational cause is there for being unhappy?” Carol (Sarah Gadon) poses this profound question in Meredith Hama-Brown’s compelling character drama "Seagrass." The movie explores the paradigms of grief and how it can often lead to the surfacing of other buried emotions and possible heartbreaking outcomes. The enthralling element lies within the question itself, implying that depression often perpetuates itself, leading us to question why we are discontent despite leading seemingly satisfying lives.
Hama-Brown's screenplay proficiently addresses these intricate emotional dilemmas, cultivating characters that are so authentic, one can easily empathize and connect with them. One noteworthy scene features Steve (Luke Roberts) at a group therapy session, struggling to elaborate on his feelings, eventually responding with an outburst, “I don’t have any f*cking words, OK?!?!” The film's brilliance lies within its ability to masterfully portray these raw, indescribable emotions.
The incident revealing Steve's emotional turmoil arises during a couples retreat he attends along with his wife Judith (Ally Maki) and their daughters Stephanie (Nyha Huang Breitkreuz) and Emmy (Remy Marthaller). In the wake of losing her mother, Judith's sorrow sends their marriage into disarray. Although both are putting effort into healing their strained relationship, it's apparent this retreat was Judith's idea, and Steve is participating with hesitation. Concurrently their teenage daughter Stephanie finds companionship, whereas younger daughter Emmy is intrigue by a nearby cave speculated to act as a conduit to the spirits, raising her hopes of communicating with her deceased grandmother.
"Seagrass" transcends the conventional ghost story, symbolically representing specters as the ramifications from decisions we make as adults, particularly related to family and spouses. Judith wrestles with regrets as she unable to answer questions about her mother from newly formed friends Pat (Chris Pang) and Carol. The film keenly emphasizes that grief reaches beyond just loss, encapsulating regrets over missed conversations with our departed loved ones.
As Judith and Steve delve deeper into therapy, their relationship fractures, endangering their family's stability. Pat and Carol exemplify an ideal couple, fostering a damaging comparison and undermining their healing progress. The movie adroitly illustrates our propensity to compare grief and struggle, simplifying and belittling them to hazardous extents.
"Seagrass" unfolds as a slow-burning thriller, foretelling an impending tragedy - adults engrossed in their troubles causing their children to suffer. Even a scene featuring Emmy crossing a pool to grab a purple ball generates an atmosphere of both exhilaration and vague dread.
"Seagrass" also subtly explores themes of jealousy, particularly Steve's towards Pat. Although this plot device feels somewhat exaggerated, it serves to introduce more significant thematic concepts into the narrative. Despite its over two hours runtime, the film's tight, character-driven narrative keeps viewers engaged, as does the exceptional performances by the child actors Breitkreuz and Marthaller. Their vivid portrayal of youthful innocence candidly contrasts adults questioning their inexplicable discontent.
