Watch Bait

Bait is a drama film which was released in 2002. The movie is directed by Mark Jenki ns and features an ensemble cast comprising John Hurt, Sheila Hancock, and Rachael Stirling. The film is set in Cornwall and focuses on the lives of working-class locals from the fishing village of Brinny. The community is struggling to sustain itself economically with the traditional fishing industry in demise.

John Hurt plays the role of Jago, an elderly fisherman, who is trying to make ends meet. His son has drowned whilst fishing, and Jago is now struggling both financially and emotionally. He spends most of his days in his local pub with his friends, who are also fishermen. Sheila Hancock plays Ethel, Jago’s sister, who is widowed and runs a local convenience store. She too is struggling to keep the business afloat and to support her adopted daughter Donna (Rachael Stirling) who is finding it hard to settle on a career path.

The storyline of the Bait isn't complex, but it explores the characters' lives and their daily struggles. The people in Brinny live modestly, with few opportunities for work or other forms of income. They are forced to rely on government benefits and fishing to survive, yet both sources of income are dwindling. It's clear that the town is dying and soon there will be nothing left for people who live there.

The film also touches on themes of mental health and the fallout of traumatic events. Jago is still reeling from the loss of his son, and he's unable to move on. He drinks heavily and spends his time lecturing the younger generation about their lack of respect for the sea. Ethel is also dealing with her loss in her own way, trying to make ends meet and taking care of Donna, who is directionless and looking for some kind of meaning in her life.

Bait's strength is that it captures the essence of a community in crisis. The film shows the people's unity as they support each other during tough times. But their resilience is starting to wear thin. The community has a tangible sense of despair as they realize that they are the last of their kind, and their way of life is coming to an end.

The set design and cinematography are also noteworthy in the movie. The film's aesthetic is colored in muted blues and greens, which gives it a slightly eerie and somber quality. The sea can be seen as a character in the story, as the camera captures its beauty and destructive force. The film's soundtrack is also tailored perfectly to the story. The mournful acoustics reflect the emotions and state of the film's characters.

In conclusion, Bait is a poignant film that deals with the struggles of a community in flux. While the movie may not be for everyone, its raw and uncompromising look at human despair is honest and authentic. The film reminds us that as society evolves, some things get lost or forgotten, and we must learn to adapt to survive. Bait is an undiscovered gem, and it deserves a wider audience.