Watch Tribes of Palos Verdes

Tribes of Palos Verdes is a 2017 drama film directed by Brendan and Emmett Malloy. The film stars Maika Monroe, Cody Fern, Jennifer Garner, and Justin Kirk, among others. The story revolves around a family of four, the Masons, who move to Palos Verdes, a wealthy coastal community in Los Angeles, California. The Masons are trying to start over, leaving behind their troubled past in Michigan. The parents, Phil (Justin Kirk) and Sandy (Jennifer Garner), hope that the move will help them save their marriage and provide their children, Medina (Maika Monroe) and Jim (Cody Fern), a better life.

Medina is the protagonist of the film, and we see the world through her eyes. She is a talented surfer who finds solace in the waves, and develops an attachment to the local beach tribe, a group of surfer boys who know everything about the ocean, the wind, and the tides.

However, things start to fall apart when Phil, who is a cardiologist, becomes involved in a malpractice lawsuit, and Sandy, who feels isolated and resentful in her new community, turns to alcohol and pills for comfort. The stress of these events takes a toll on Medina and Jim, and their parents' inability to deal with their problems creates a rift in their family.

As the story unfolds, we see how the Masons struggle to cope with their new environment, their relationships, and their own demons. Medina, in particular, has to navigate a difficult path between her love for her family and her desire to pursue her dreams. She finds herself torn between her loyalty to her father, who wants her to quit surfing and focus on her studies, and her connection to the beach tribe, who see the ocean as their home and source of inspiration.

The film touches on themes such as identity, adolescence, mental health, addiction, and resilience. It provides a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by families in crisis, and the ways in which they try to cope and survive. The performances by the actors are outstanding, especially by Maika Monroe, who delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Medina.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, as the film captures the beauty and power of the ocean, the cliffs, and the beaches of Palos Verdes. The soundtrack, featuring songs by Eddie Vedder, Brandi Carlile, and The Beach Boys, among others, adds to the emotional resonance of the story.

Overall, Tribes of Palos Verdes is a poignant, thought-provoking, and compelling drama that explores the complexities of family dynamics and the human condition. It is a must-see for anyone interested in character-driven storytelling and films that deal with real-world issues.