Watch Drowning

Drowning is an intense and emotional drama film directed by Melora Walters and released in 2019. The movie revolves around the tumultuous life of a successful young writer and journalist named Anna (Jessica Allen). Anna's life takes a sharp turn when, amidst her depression and addiction struggles, she receives news of her mother's death.

The film opens with Anna lying in the bathtub, drowning both literally and figuratively, as haunting memories from her past mix with the whiskey in her hand. The scene sets the tone for the rest of the film, which follows Anna on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Despite Anna's resistance, she is forced to return to her hometown to bury her mother, where she meets up with old school friend Matt (Pardeep Bassi). While Anna tries to keep her alcoholism and depression a secret, Matt provides a welcomed respite from her troubles. However, as the two reconnect, it is clear that both Anna and Matt have unresolved issues from their past that threaten their newfound connection.

As Anna's grief and addiction worsen, her relationships with those around her become strained, including her sister (Alys Crocker) who is trying to get a handle on her own issues as well. Through flashbacks and conversations, we learn about Anna's difficult childhood and her complicated relationship with her mother. These memories aid in filling in the gaps that have resulted in Anna's current state.

As the film progresses, Anna's emotions are amplified by the frequent and vivid hallucinations she experiences, especially of her mother. These hallucinations bring up the painful memories of her childhood, particularly those concerning her father's suicide. Anna's self-destructive tendencies threaten to immolate everything around her, including her relationship with Matt and her sister.

Drowning is an intense and difficult film to watch, but that is due to its raw and realistic portrayal of addiction, mental illness, and grief. The film is a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of choices we make in the past that shape our future.

The strength of Drowning lies in its cinematography and its themes. The constant barrage of visual metaphors and motifs raises the visceral feel of the film, with the visuals of the pool, the ocean, and the bathtub serving as compelling symbols. The sound design, too, is breathtaking as it creates an immersive atmosphere for the audience.

The theme of drowning in choices we thought would be to our benefit is well represented in this movie. In it, we see Anna as a girl with dreams of becoming a writer, hopes and ambition for a positive future. However, her past experiences eventually steer her on a path of addiction and self-destruction. The movie devolves into a journey of self-discovery as Anna comes to terms with her demons and her past choices.

The movie's sadness and heaviness are tempered by its cast's incredible performances, particularly Jessica Allen in her debut leading role. Allen drives the film with her intense and powerful portrayal of a woman on the edge of self-destruction. Her depiction of Anna's struggles with addiction and depression is authentic and heart-wrenching, making her character relatable and compelling.

In conclusion, Drowning is a movie that doesn't hold back in its exploration of addiction and mental illness. Its raw and honest portrayal of Anna's struggle and journey to recovery is both heart-wrenching and eye-opening. The film's stunning visuals, powerful performances, and haunting score make it a must-watch for those seeking a genuine and thought-provoking look at the destructive nature of addiction.

Drowning is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.