Watch Fishbowl

Fishbowl is a 2018 independent film that tells the story of a dysfunctional family that lives in a small town in Pennsylvania during the 1980s. The movie explores the lives of four different family members and their relationships with one another as they struggle to navigate the complexities of their individual and collective traumas.

The main character of the film is June, a young woman who dreams of escaping her small town and all the baggage that comes with it. June lives with her abusive stepfather and her depressed mother, who spends most of her time in bed. June often turns to her older brother, Bobby, for support, but he's dealing with his own demons and doesn't always have the capacity to be there for her.

Bobby spends most of his days working at a gas station and hanging out with his best friend, Todd. The two of them are inseparable, but their friendship is put to the test when Todd gets involved with Bobby's ex-girlfriend, which leads to a violent confrontation.

Meanwhile, June and Bobby's father, who left the family years ago, returns to town and attempts to reconnect with his children. His presence forces June and Bobby to confront the trauma they've been carrying since he left and the wounds that haven't healed.

Throughout the film, we see each character struggle to communicate with one another and find a way to heal from their past pain. The movie's title, Fishbowl, comes from the way the family's dysfunction is contained within their small town and how it feels like they're always being watched and judged by their neighbors.

Director Stephen Kinigopoulos and writer Piero S. Iberti have crafted a thoughtful and nuanced film that explores the complexities of familial relationships and the impact of trauma on individuals and communities. The film's setting in the 1980s adds an additional layer of nostalgia and authenticity to the story, and the strong performances by the main cast, particularly Khali Addair as June and Mackenzie Astin as the father, bring depth and emotional resonance to the characters.

While Fishbowl is a slow-paced film that doesn't rely on overt plot twists or action sequences, it is a deeply affecting and emotionally resonant work that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. The film is a testament to the power of independent cinema and a reminder that there are still stories left to be told that aren't being produced by major studios.

Fishbowl is a 2020 suspense movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.