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Bait is a 2019 British drama film written and directed by Mark Jenkin, starring Edward Rowe, Giles King, and Chloe Endean. The film stands out for its distinctive style and approach to storytelling, as it is shot on a vintage 16mm camera using black-and-white Kodak film, hand-developed by Jenkin, which gives it a grainy, almost timeless aesthetic. This unique choice of filmmaking technique is more than a stylistic preference; it is an integral part of the movie's narrative and adds to its thematic resonance.

Set in a small fishing village in Cornwall, Bait tells the story of Martin Ward (played by Edward Rowe), a fisherman without a boat. Martin's brother, Steven Ward (played by Giles King), has repurposed their father's vessel as a tourist tripper, which has caused a deep rift between the brothers. The tension between the siblings is palpable, as Martin is determined to restore the family's fishing tradition, while Steven has acquiesced to the changing economic landscape, where tourism is more lucrative than the dwindling fishing industry.

Amidst the backdrop of economic hardship, the film explores the struggles and conflicts that arise within the community. Martin, staunch and unyielding, is a symbol of resistance against the gentrification that is slowly taking over the once-thriving fishing village. Traditional ways of life are being overshadowed by the influx of wealthier outsiders and holidaymakers, often represented by the character of Tim Leigh (Simon Shepherd), who has bought a local house as a holiday home and is emblematically at odds with the local community's values and way of life.

The film's narrative delves into the microcosmic tensions that are playing out across many seaside towns in Britain, magnifying issues such as class conflict, economic disparity, and heritage. The characters are well-crafted to represent different facets of this struggle: Edward Rowe's portrayal of Martin is intense and passionate, a man whose every stern expression and deliberate action conveys his deep connection to his heritage and his determination to persevere despite the odds.

The sense of place is vital in Bait, and the film's ability to immerse viewers into the gritty reality of the village's daily life is one of its strongest points. There's a palpable atmosphere that surrounds every shot of the rocky coastline, the cramped local pub, and the interiors of the small cottages, beautifully captured in the film's granulated monochrome visuals. Moreover, Jenkin's decision to record all the sound post-production lends an otherworldly quality to the dialogue and diegetic sounds, which reinforces the emotional dissonance between the characters and their rapidly changing world.

As the story unfolds, viewers witness a community grappling with identity and survival, offering an authentic exploration of the human condition within this microcosm. It's a tale of nostalgia, of loss and yearning for the days gone by, but it is also a story about the inevitability of change and the different ways people cope with or resist it. Martin's journey is fraught with moral complexity and personal conflict, and the film does not shy away from showing the raw edges of this struggle for what one believes to be right or necessary.

Bait's supporting characters, such as the local pub owner Wenna (played by Chloe Endean), are integral to the fabric of the narrative, offering a glimpse into the interconnected lives within the village. Every character, no matter how briefly on screen, adds depth and authenticity to the story, highlighting the various ways in which the overarching themes of change, displacement, and tradition touch upon individual lives.

Critically acclaimed, Bait has been lauded for its experimental approach to filmmaking and its powerful social commentary. It feels both modern and timeless, seamlessly blending elements of social realism with the heightened aesthetic of expressionist cinema. Jenkin's film operates on multiple levels, simultaneously serving as a piece of visual art and a stirring narrative about resilience and adaptation in the face of unstoppable forces.

Upon its release, Bait quickly made waves on the film festival circuit and earned high praise for its originality and evocative storytelling. The film received numerous accolades, including the prestigious BAFTA award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer. The success of Bait is indicative not only of its artistic achievements but also of the appetite for cinema that challenges audiences and provokes deep reflection on contemporary issues.

In summary, Bait is a poignant and intensely atmospheric film that captures the shifting tides of a community at a crossroads. With its gritty charm, arresting performances, and thought-provoking narrative, it is a cinematic experience that lingers in the mind long after the final frame.

Bait is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 83.