Watch The Boat Builder

The Boat Builder is a heart-warming drama that follows the journey of a retired carpenter named Abner who, upon losing his wife, realizes that he needs a new purpose in life. Set in a small village in coastal Maine, the film explores the power of creativity and the healing process of grief. Christopher Lloyd delivers a captivating performance as Abner, a man who has spent his entire life building boats. When we first meet him, he is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his wife and is living in isolation in his small workshop. Despite his advanced age, Abner is determined to continue doing what he loves - building boats - even if it means disobeying the rules set by his daughter and the local authorities.

One day, Abner receives an unexpected visitor - a young boy named Kieran (Tekola Cornetet), who is fascinated by Abner's boat-building skills. Kieran is a troubled child who is struggling to find his place in the world. However, he sees in Abner a kindred spirit and a mentor, who can teach him the valuable lessons of patience, hard work, and dedication.

As Abner begins to open up to Kieran, the two develop a close bond. Abner takes Kieran under his wing and teaches him everything he knows about boat-building. Along the way, Kieran helps Abner come to terms with his own grief and rediscover his passion for life.

Jane Kaczmarek plays the role of Abner's daughter, Emma, who has a strained relationship with her father. Emma is frustrated by her father's stubbornness and recklessness and is worried about his safety. She believes that he should be living in a retirement home and not risking his life building boats on his own. However, as the story unfolds, Emma gradually learns to appreciate her father's passion and recognizes the positive impact he is having on Kieran's life.

The Boat Builder is a poignant film that touches on the themes of love, loss, and the power of human connection. Director Arnold Grossman superbly captures the beauty of the Maine coastline and infuses the film with a sense of warmth and authenticity.

The film also highlights the importance of intergenerational relationships and the role that mentorship can play in helping children navigate the challenges of growing up. Through Abner's relationship with Kieran, the film reminds us of the value of passing on skills and knowledge from one generation to the next.

Overall, The Boat Builder is a moving and understated film that will appeal to viewers of all ages. It is a testament to the human spirit and the power of friendship and creativity to heal even the deepest wounds. With a stellar cast and a beautiful setting, The Boat Builder is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impression.

The Boat Builder is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.