The Miracle of the Sargasso Sea is a 2019 Greek drama film directed by Syllas Tzoumerkas. The movie revolves around two different women who are struggling with their lives and crossing each other's paths in an unlikely place. The film stars Angeliki Papoulia, Youla Boudali, Christos Passalis in the lead roles. The story of this movie is set in a small fictional town, situated near a lake in Greece, whose ecosystem is falling apart. The local veterinarian, Elisabeth (Angeliki Papoulia), is an alcoholic in her early forties who has given up on life. She works as the only veterinarian in town and is known for euthanizing more animals than curing them. Her daily routine involves drinking, sleeping, and taking care of her horse. Nicotine addict Rita (Youli Boudali) is the local police chief in the same town, who's been transferred from Athens after being involved in some kind of scandal. Her personality is tough, uncompromising, and impatient, grounded in her self-doubts and deep insecurities.
Elisabeth and Rita come across each other when a strange mystery related to a dead body in the lake unravels. As the investigation proceeds, the two women become unwittingly involved in uncovering the secrets they held for each other. The plot of this movie has several subtexts and a lot of symbolism. It is a vulnerable portrayal of two women dealing with personal demons, toxic masculinity, and the patriarchy they have to constantly survive in.
The movie's visuals are stunningly matched with the melancholic music, capturing the gloomy and unsettling atmosphere of the fictional town. The pervasive feeling of despair and darkness of the environment serves as a reflection of the brokenness of humanity. The camera work is brilliant in capturing the contrast between the decaying world and the beauty surrounding it.
The performances by both the leads, Papoulia and Boudali, are compelling and believable. They portray women who have given up on life and have lost their will to fight, but still, they keep moving forward. Both their characters share moments of vulnerability and struggle with their inner demons, and the two of them make a stunning on-screen duo.
The Miracle of the Sargasso Sea is a slow-paced drama that conveys powerful messages about the human condition. The film also highlights the omnipresent patriarchy that keeps women trapped in toxic relationships, and how it affects their mental health. Its themes are challenging, and the story's bleakness may not be for everyone. But for those willing to stay with it, the movie exposes the harsh realities of life through powerful performances, stunning imagery, and gripping storytelling.
In conclusion, The Miracle of the Sargasso Sea is a brilliant movie that tackles the significant issues of our society with depth, nuance, and honesty. It is a poignant reminder that sometimes, the strongest of us can still break in the face of life's harsh realities. If you're in the mood for a thought-provoking drama that will confront you, this is the movie for you.
The Miracle of the Sargasso Sea is a 2019 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.
