Watch Lake Effects

Lake Effects is a heartwarming family drama that revolves around Sara, a successful corporate lawyer, living in Los Angeles. The movie focuses on the growing disconnect between Sara and her family members, who still reside in their hometown on the shores of Lake Erie. Sara abruptly decides to make a visit to her family's lake house, hoping to reconnect with her estranged sister Lily, and their ailing mother, Vivian.

Upon arriving, Sara is introduced to Lily's daughter, Ava. Sara quickly bonds with Ava, and the two spend their days kayaking on the lake, hiking the nearby trails, and exploring the town. Along the way, they encounter a series of quirky characters, including a charming local boy, and a gregarious cafe owner.

Sara also reconnects with Peter, a former high school classmate and Lily's ex-boyfriend. Sarah still carries a torch for Peter, and the two begin to rekindle their old romance.

As the plot progresses, Sara learns more about her family's history and the lake house, which holds an important place in their family's memories. However, tragedy strikes when Vivian passes away, and the family comes together to plan her funeral. Sara is forced to confront her strained relationship with her sister, and the reasons for their estrangement.

Meanwhile, Ava faces her own struggles. She gets into a fight with her mother after discovering her mother's past indiscretions. Ava also meets a boy, who introduces her to the world of photography, leading her to explore her artistic talents.

Throughout the film, the stunning scenery of Lake Erie serves as the backdrop for the story, which concludes on a bittersweet note. The characters find closure, and the movie ends with a sense of optimism.

The performances in Lake Effects are strong, with Scottie Thompson's portrayal of Sara as particularly noteworthy. She captures Sara's internal struggles, adding depth to the character. Madeline Zima, who plays Ava, brings a sense of teenage angst to the role, in contrast to Jane Seymour's performance as the matriarch, which is understated yet impactful.

Lake Effects is a poignant and uplifting take on family and the power of place in shaping our identities. It's a movie that will appeal to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, or had to grapple with their own sense of belonging.

Lake Effects is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.