Watch High Tide

High Tide is a British drama film from 2015, directed by James Gillingham and Jimmy Hay. The story revolves around a grandmother named Bethan Bevan, played by Melanie Walters, and her relationship with her grandson, Joshua, played by Samuel Morgan-Davies. The film explores themes of family, loss, and self-discovery against the picturesque backdrop of rural Wales.

The film opens with Bethan returning to her hometown after spending years away in London. She has come back to care for Joshua, who is now in his early teens and living with his mother, Bethan's daughter, in a small village by the coast. Bethan is struggling to deal with the loss of her son, who died in a tragic accident, and the memories of her own troubled past. Meanwhile, Joshua is trying to come to terms with his own feelings of anger and abandonment, as well as his budding romantic feelings for a girl he meets on the beach.

Bethan and Joshua's relationship is central to the film, and their interactions are both heartwarming and fraught with tension. Bethan is fiercely protective of Joshua, but also overbearing and quick to anger. Joshua, on the other hand, is rebellious and prone to acting out, but also deeply loyal to his grandmother. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship, grappling with how to move forward while still honoring the past.

One of the film's strongest aspects is its setting. The rugged coastline of Wales is both beautiful and haunting, and the filmmakers do an excellent job of capturing its mood and texture. The village where Bethan and Joshua live is small and close-knit, and the community is portrayed as both welcoming and insular. There are scenes of the two of them walking along the rocky beach, taking in the crashing waves and the salty sea air, that are simply breathtaking.

The performances in High Tide are also noteworthy. Melanie Walters, who is perhaps best known for her work in the hit British series Gavin & Stacey, delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as Bethan. She is at once tough and vulnerable, never shying away from the difficult emotions her character is grappling with. Samuel Morgan-Davies, who was only 12 years old at the time of filming, is equally impressive as Joshua. He brings an authenticity and depth to the role that belies his age, and his chemistry with Walters is palpable.

In addition to the central relationship between Bethan and Joshua, the film also explores several other subplots. There is a romantic subplot involving Joshua and a girl he meets on the beach, which is sweet and tender but also tinged with the sadness of youth. There is also a subplot involving Bethan's relationship with an old flame, which is fraught with tension and unresolved feelings.

Overall, High Tide is a sensitive and evocative exploration of grief and family ties. It takes its time to let characters develop and relationships unfold, but the payoff is worth it. The Welsh setting is a character in its own right, and the performances are uniformly strong. While the film may be too slow-paced for some viewers, those who stick with it will be rewarded with a moving and heartfelt story. Highly recommended for fans of character-driven dramas.

High Tide is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.