Watch Not Waving But Drowning

Not Waving But Drowning is a drama movie from 2012 following the lives of two best friends, Adele and Sara, trying to navigate their way through their early twenties while coming to terms with their complex backgrounds and relationships. The movie begins with the birthday party of Adele, who is struggling to contain her inner turmoil, but puts on a brave face for her friends and family.

Adele is an aspiring actress who works as a bartender to make ends meet while waiting for her big break. She seems to have it all figured out, with a caring mother and sister who support her every step of the way. However, as the movie progresses, her emotional complexities begin to surface, revealing her struggles with abandonment issues stemming from her father's death when she was young.

On the other hand, Sara comes from a dysfunctional family background, where her mother's addiction issues have left deep scars on her psyche. Despite having a loving boyfriend, she finds herself feeling disconnected and isolated from the world around her. The movie delves into the complicated relationship between Adele and Sara, and how both of them try to understand the other's struggles while dealing with their own demons.

The cinematography in Not Waving But Drowning is stunning, with the gritty, monochromatic visuals perfectly capturing the bleakness and emotional intensity of the characters' lives. The film's soundtrack also plays a significant role in setting the tone for the movie, with haunting melodies echoing the characters' emotional turmoil.

One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is its realistic portrayal of the struggles that young adults face today. It shows how looks can be deceiving and how one can never tell what's going on behind closed doors. Both Adele and Sara come across as empathetic characters that viewers can relate to on a personal level. Even the supporting characters in the movie, such as Sara's boyfriend and Adele's family, play a crucial role in the development of the plot.

Vanessa Ray, who plays Adele, steals the show with her brilliant performance, bringing depth and nuance to her character. She portrays the full spectrum of Adele's emotions, from her moments of joy and levity to her anguished soliloquies about her father's demise. Megan Guinan, who plays Sara, also delivers a convincing portrayal of a woman struggling with the trauma of her past.

The film's pacing is steady and allows viewers to fully immerse themselves in the world created by the storyline. At no point does the movie drag, and it holds the viewer's attention by keeping them invested in the relatable characters' lives. The dialogues are well-written and realistic, and the director has done an excellent job of letting the characters' actions do the talking themselves.

In conclusion, Not Waving But Drowning is a beautifully crafted movie that explores the complexities of early adulthood, family dynamics, and the trauma of losing someone close to you. It's a portrayal of the struggles that young adults face and how each individual's past experiences shape their perceptions of the world around them. The movie leaves a lasting impression on the viewer, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys character-driven dramas.

Not Waving But Drowning is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.