Some Southern Waters is a 2020 indie film that explores the delicate balance between family, love, and loss. Directed by Christopher Jenkins, the movie is set in Louisiana and tells the story of a young couple, Emma (Rachel Comeau) and Drew (Daniel Wachs), who navigate their own personal demons while dealing with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The movie opens with a dreamy montage of Emma and Drew driving through the Louisiana countryside, seemingly carefree and in love. The idyllic scene is quickly shattered when Emma receives a call from her mother informing her that her grandfather has taken a turn for the worse. Emma and Drew immediately make their way to the small town where Emma's family lives, and it is clear from the outset that their relationship is not as smooth as it once was.
As Emma and Drew settle in with Emma's family, tensions begin to mount. Drew is clearly uncomfortable in this new environment, and his past struggles with addiction start to resurface. Emma's family is also dealing with their own set of issues. Her mother (played by Kyra Johnson) is a devout Christian who disapproves of Emma and Drew's relationship, while her sister (played by Diana Lovell) is a single mother struggling to make ends meet.
Despite the challenges, Emma and Drew try to make the best of their visit. They spend time exploring the area, immersing themselves in the culture, and trying to reconnect with each other. However, as the days go by, they are forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about themselves and their relationship.
What really sets Some Southern Waters apart is its use of the Hurricane Katrina disaster as a backdrop for the story. While the actual event is not shown on screen, its impact is felt throughout the movie. The devastation and loss of life have left a lasting mark on the community, and the characters are all struggling to come to terms with it in their own way. For Emma, it brings up painful memories of her childhood and her relationship with her grandfather. For Drew, it is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of staying sober.
Overall, Some Southern Waters is a beautifully shot and emotionally powerful movie that explores some difficult themes with sensitivity and grace. The performances by the three leads are all excellent, and the supporting cast does a great job of bringing the small town Louisiana setting to life. While the movie may not be for everyone, those who appreciate character-driven dramas will find plenty to love here.
Some Southern Waters is a 2020 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.
