Watch When the Storm Fades

When the Storm Fades is a 2018 drama film directed by Sean Devlin. Set in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the Philippines in 2013, the movie tells the story of a family struggling to cope with loss and displacement. The film opens with a harrowing montage of news footage showing the destruction wreaked by Typhoon Haiyan, which killed more than 6,000 people and displaced millions. We see footage of survivors wandering through the rubble of their homes, searching for loved ones amid the debris. Against this backdrop, we meet the film's main characters: a mother named Inday (Alicia Boco), her young daughter named Ellay (Marissa Cabalja), and a Canadian relief worker named Barry (Ryan Beil).

When the Storm Fades is not a disaster movie in the traditional sense; it's a slow-burning character study that focuses on the human toll of the disaster. Inday and her daughter are living in a makeshift shelter when they meet Barry, who has come to the Philippines to help distribute aid to the survivors. Although Barry is initially awkward and out of place, he quickly connects with Inday and Ellay and becomes a surrogate father figure to the young girl.

The heart of the film is the relationship between Inday and Ellay, who are dealing with their grief in different ways. Inday is strong-willed and fiercely protective of her daughter, but also prone to fits of anger and hopelessness. Ellay, meanwhile, is quieter and more introspective; she is haunted by the memory of her father, who was killed in the typhoon, and is struggling to adjust to life in a new community.

As the film progresses, we see the characters begin to heal and find a sense of hope amid the devastation. The scenes of Barry playing with Ellay and teaching her English are genuinely charming, as are the quieter moments between Inday and her daughter. There is a real sense of warmth and humanity in the film that makes it both moving and uplifting.

One of the film's strengths is its attention to detail. From the rusty corrugated iron roofs of the makeshift shelters to the endless lines of people waiting for aid, the film captures the reality of life in a disaster zone. It's clear that the filmmakers did their research and spent time in the Philippines to get a sense of the culture and the impact of the typhoon on the local communities.

Another standout aspect of the film is the performances of the three leads. Alicia Boco is particularly impressive as Inday, bringing a raw emotional intensity to her character's struggles. Marissa Cabalja is also terrific as the young Ellay, conveying a deep sadness and vulnerability with her expressive eyes. Ryan Beil does a solid job as Barry, navigating the tricky territory of playing a foreigner in a non-patronizing way.

The film is not without its flaws, however. At times, some of the dialogue feels a bit too on-the-nose, with characters saying exactly what they're feeling rather than allowing the audience to infer it from the scene. Additionally, the film's pacing can be slow, with some scenes dragging on a bit too long.

Despite these issues, When the Storm Fades is a powerful and affecting film that tells an important story. It's a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, and a tribute to the strength of community in the face of disaster. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and one that deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

When the Storm Fades is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.