Watch The Raven On The Jetty

The Raven On The Jetty is a British drama film directed by Erik Knudsen and premiered in 2015. The movie tells the story of fourteen-year-old John (Connor O'Hara), a shy and introverted boy who lives with his mother (Anne Fraser) in a rural area of Northern England. John likes to spend his days in solitude, walking around the countryside and observing the birds.

At the beginning of the movie, we see John's routine disrupted by the arrival of his Aunt Carla (Anne Lees), a free-spirited woman who has been estranged from the family for many years. Carla is staying with them for a few days, hoping to reconnect with her sister and her nephew. Her arrival brings excitement and tension to John's quiet life, but also a bit of hope for change.

Throughout the movie, we witness John's struggles to connect with the people around him, including his mother and his schoolmates. He's a sensitive boy who doesn't fit in with the loud and boisterous teens of his age. His only solace is in his hobby of bird-watching, which he shares with his grandfather, who has recently passed away.

As the story unfolds, we see John's relationship with his aunt develop, and how she becomes a source of inspiration for him. Carla is a free spirit who doesn't abide by society's norms, and she encourages John to be himself, even if it means going against the norm. She introduces him to new experiences such as smoking, drinking, and kissing, which fascinate John but also frighten him.

The Raven On The Jetty is a slow-paced movie that relies heavily on its visuals and atmosphere to convey its message. The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the countryside, the sea, and the sky. The movie captures the stillness of rural life and the isolation that comes with it. The music, composed by Timothy Thornton, is haunting and melancholic, perfectly matching the mood of the film.

At its core, The Raven On The Jetty is a coming-of-age story that deals with themes of identity, grief, and loneliness. John is a boy who doesn't know who he is, and struggles to find his place in the world. He's also grieving the loss of his grandfather, who was his closest confidant. Through his interactions with Carla, John starts to question the life he's been living and the person he wants to become.

The performances in the movie are excellent, especially from the three main actors. Connor O'Hara gives a nuanced and subtle portrayal of John, capturing his introverted nature and inner turmoil. Anne Fraser is equally impressive as John's mother, conveying a sense of sadness and regret that stems from her own unfulfilled dreams. Anne Lees steals the show as Aunt Carla, bringing a sense of energy and mischief to the movie. Her character is flawed and complex, but also incredibly likable.

Overall, The Raven On The Jetty is a beautiful and poetic movie that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt lost or alone. While it's not a movie for everyone, those who appreciate slow-paced, atmospheric dramas will find a lot to love here. The movie's ambiguous ending may leave some viewers frustrated, but it's also open to interpretation, which adds to its mystique.