• Latest
  • Trending
Seagrass Review

Seagrass Review: Ally Maki Anchors Grief-Stricken Family Drama

Nathan Fielder

Nathan Fielder Lands Real 737 in High-Stakes “Rehearsal” Finale

3 minutes ago
Cobie Smulders

Cobie Smulders Boards The Lincoln Lawyer Ahead of High-Stakes Season 4

5 minutes ago
Carrie

Amazon Sets Cast for Mike Flanagan’s “Carrie” Series

9 minutes ago
jonathan joss

“King of the Hill” Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot in San Antonio

11 minutes ago
I'm looking to write a comprehensive and original news article on the topic I'm sharing below. Please: 1. Read and analyze this published article first: xxxxxxx 2. Search the internet for additional relevant information about this news story, including: - Latest developments since the original article was published - Alternative perspectives not covered in the original - Relevant expert opinions or statements - Background context that helps better understand the story 3. Carefully read and analyze all the provided source articles. 4. Identify the key facts, quotes, and background information relevant to the story. 5. Synthesize this information into a coherent narrative. 6. Based on your research, draft an original news article that: - Is written in a clear, objective journalistic style suitable for a major newspaper - Is completely original and free of plagiarism - Includes relevant facts, quotes, and background information - Presents a balanced view of the story, incorporating different perspectives - Is thorough and informative, capturing the essence of the story - Is structured with a strong lead paragraph, followed by supporting details and context - Uses entirely your own words to explain and describe the events and information - Maintains a professional tone throughout - Avoids directly copying phrasing from the original sources - IMPORTANT: Does NOT include any summary or conclusion section - Do not use subheadings. Write maximum 300 to 400 words. 7. After writing the main article, suggest 5 perfect news-website like titles for the article. These should be concise, attention-grabbing, and accurately reflect the content of the article. The Phoenician Scheme

Wes Anderson Film Nets $95K Per Screen Ahead of Nationwide Rollout

1 hour ago
Pablo Larraín

Netflix Lines Up Four-Part Horror Drama “My Sad Dead” From Pablo Larraín

1 hour ago
Marshmallow Review

Marshmallow Review: These Woods Hide Unexpected Secrets

Zero Review

Zero Review: Navigating Power and Peril on Senegal’s Streets

Shadow Of God Review

Shadow Of God Review: Redefining Possession in a Chilling Light

Relative Control Review

Relative Control Review: Juggling Worlds, Finding Focus

Blacksmith Master Review

Blacksmith Master Review: The Satisfying Grind of Metal and Management

The Italians Review

The Italians Review: A Comedic Surface, Existential Depths

  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Gazettely Review Guidelines
Monday, June 2, 2025
GAZETTELY
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Nathan Fielder

    Nathan Fielder Lands Real 737 in High-Stakes “Rehearsal” Finale

    Cobie Smulders

    Cobie Smulders Boards The Lincoln Lawyer Ahead of High-Stakes Season 4

    Carrie

    Amazon Sets Cast for Mike Flanagan’s “Carrie” Series

    jonathan joss

    “King of the Hill” Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot in San Antonio

    I'm looking to write a comprehensive and original news article on the topic I'm sharing below. Please: 1. Read and analyze this published article first: xxxxxxx 2. Search the internet for additional relevant information about this news story, including: - Latest developments since the original article was published - Alternative perspectives not covered in the original - Relevant expert opinions or statements - Background context that helps better understand the story 3. Carefully read and analyze all the provided source articles. 4. Identify the key facts, quotes, and background information relevant to the story. 5. Synthesize this information into a coherent narrative. 6. Based on your research, draft an original news article that: - Is written in a clear, objective journalistic style suitable for a major newspaper - Is completely original and free of plagiarism - Includes relevant facts, quotes, and background information - Presents a balanced view of the story, incorporating different perspectives - Is thorough and informative, capturing the essence of the story - Is structured with a strong lead paragraph, followed by supporting details and context - Uses entirely your own words to explain and describe the events and information - Maintains a professional tone throughout - Avoids directly copying phrasing from the original sources - IMPORTANT: Does NOT include any summary or conclusion section - Do not use subheadings. Write maximum 300 to 400 words. 7. After writing the main article, suggest 5 perfect news-website like titles for the article. These should be concise, attention-grabbing, and accurately reflect the content of the article. The Phoenician Scheme

    Wes Anderson Film Nets $95K Per Screen Ahead of Nationwide Rollout

    Pablo Larraín

    Netflix Lines Up Four-Part Horror Drama “My Sad Dead” From Pablo Larraín

    Shanghai Blues

    4K Trailer Sets Summer U.S. Launch for Tsui Hark’s “Shanghai Blues”

    Pixel Zoo Animation Studios

    Pixel Zoo Sets Up LA Hub, Hires Emmy Winner Josh Fisher to Lead Growth

    Pedro Pascal

    Stars Rally Congress to Save LGBTQ+ Youth Line from Budget Axe

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Marshmallow Review

    Marshmallow Review: These Woods Hide Unexpected Secrets

    Zero Review

    Zero Review: Navigating Power and Peril on Senegal’s Streets

    Shadow Of God Review

    Shadow Of God Review: Redefining Possession in a Chilling Light

    Relative Control Review

    Relative Control Review: Juggling Worlds, Finding Focus

    The Italians Review

    The Italians Review: A Comedic Surface, Existential Depths

    Autobiography Review

    Autobiography Review: A Masterclass in Creeping Dread

    Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Season 1 Review

    Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Season 1 Review: When Char Wins, A New Story Begins

    Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter Review

    Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter Review: Deconstructing a Culinary Enigma

    The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox Season 1 Review

    The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox Season 1 Review: More Than Just the Score?

  • Game Reviews
    Blacksmith Master Review

    Blacksmith Master Review: The Satisfying Grind of Metal and Management

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review: Unforgiving, Unforgettable Horror

    Cubic Odyssey Review

    Cubic Odyssey Review: An Ambitious Architect’s Space Dream

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

    To a T Review

    To a T Review: Finding Perfection in an Imperfect Shape

    Spray Paint Simulator Review

    Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

    F1 25 Review

    F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review: Whip-Smart Mechanics and Pixel Charm

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review: Condensed Chaos for Tarnished Veterans

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Nathan Fielder

    Nathan Fielder Lands Real 737 in High-Stakes “Rehearsal” Finale

    Cobie Smulders

    Cobie Smulders Boards The Lincoln Lawyer Ahead of High-Stakes Season 4

    Carrie

    Amazon Sets Cast for Mike Flanagan’s “Carrie” Series

    jonathan joss

    “King of the Hill” Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot in San Antonio

    I'm looking to write a comprehensive and original news article on the topic I'm sharing below. Please: 1. Read and analyze this published article first: xxxxxxx 2. Search the internet for additional relevant information about this news story, including: - Latest developments since the original article was published - Alternative perspectives not covered in the original - Relevant expert opinions or statements - Background context that helps better understand the story 3. Carefully read and analyze all the provided source articles. 4. Identify the key facts, quotes, and background information relevant to the story. 5. Synthesize this information into a coherent narrative. 6. Based on your research, draft an original news article that: - Is written in a clear, objective journalistic style suitable for a major newspaper - Is completely original and free of plagiarism - Includes relevant facts, quotes, and background information - Presents a balanced view of the story, incorporating different perspectives - Is thorough and informative, capturing the essence of the story - Is structured with a strong lead paragraph, followed by supporting details and context - Uses entirely your own words to explain and describe the events and information - Maintains a professional tone throughout - Avoids directly copying phrasing from the original sources - IMPORTANT: Does NOT include any summary or conclusion section - Do not use subheadings. Write maximum 300 to 400 words. 7. After writing the main article, suggest 5 perfect news-website like titles for the article. These should be concise, attention-grabbing, and accurately reflect the content of the article. The Phoenician Scheme

    Wes Anderson Film Nets $95K Per Screen Ahead of Nationwide Rollout

    Pablo Larraín

    Netflix Lines Up Four-Part Horror Drama “My Sad Dead” From Pablo Larraín

    Shanghai Blues

    4K Trailer Sets Summer U.S. Launch for Tsui Hark’s “Shanghai Blues”

    Pixel Zoo Animation Studios

    Pixel Zoo Sets Up LA Hub, Hires Emmy Winner Josh Fisher to Lead Growth

    Pedro Pascal

    Stars Rally Congress to Save LGBTQ+ Youth Line from Budget Axe

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Marshmallow Review

    Marshmallow Review: These Woods Hide Unexpected Secrets

    Zero Review

    Zero Review: Navigating Power and Peril on Senegal’s Streets

    Shadow Of God Review

    Shadow Of God Review: Redefining Possession in a Chilling Light

    Relative Control Review

    Relative Control Review: Juggling Worlds, Finding Focus

    The Italians Review

    The Italians Review: A Comedic Surface, Existential Depths

    Autobiography Review

    Autobiography Review: A Masterclass in Creeping Dread

    Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Season 1 Review

    Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Season 1 Review: When Char Wins, A New Story Begins

    Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter Review

    Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter Review: Deconstructing a Culinary Enigma

    The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox Season 1 Review

    The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox Season 1 Review: More Than Just the Score?

  • Game Reviews
    Blacksmith Master Review

    Blacksmith Master Review: The Satisfying Grind of Metal and Management

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review: Unforgiving, Unforgettable Horror

    Cubic Odyssey Review

    Cubic Odyssey Review: An Ambitious Architect’s Space Dream

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

    To a T Review

    To a T Review: Finding Perfection in an Imperfect Shape

    Spray Paint Simulator Review

    Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

    F1 25 Review

    F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review: Whip-Smart Mechanics and Pixel Charm

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review: Condensed Chaos for Tarnished Veterans

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
GAZETTELY
No Result
View All Result
Seagrass Review

Tekken 8 Microtransactions Spark Backlash Among Fans

Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance Review: We'll Be Back

Home Entertainment Movies

Seagrass Review: Ally Maki Anchors Grief-Stricken Family Drama

Director Meredith Hama-Brown Depicts Bonds Buckling Under Grief's Weight

Arash Nahandian by Arash Nahandian
1 year ago
in Entertainment, Movies, Reviews
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on WhatsAppShare on Telegram

In her feature directorial debut “Seagrass“, writer-director Meredith Hama-Brown crafts a deep character study about how unresolved grief ripples through a family. Centered around Judith, played wonderfully by Ally Maki (“Shortcomings”), the film examines her struggles to cope after her mother’s recent passing. This loss dredges up regrets over not connecting more with her Japanese-Canadian heritage, while also magnifying cracks in Judith’s marriage to Steve (Luke Roberts).

As they try to heal their relationship at a couples retreat, their two daughters Stephanie and Emmy (Nyha Huang Breitkreuz and Remy Marthaller) are left to wander the idyllic coastal landscape. But spectral presences seem to follow youngest daughter Emmy from a foreboding seaside cave said to bridge our world with the next.

Layering troubled family dynamics with ethereal horror, Hama-Brown deftly explores the shared fragility of human bonds and memory. Maki’s nuanced turn as the grief-stricken Judith grounds this melancholy indie, filled with naturalistic dialogue and stunning Pacific Northwest vistas. A promising first film tackling the complex ghosts we inherit.

A Crumbing Marriage Threatens a Family

The film opens in 1994 as Judith and Steve ferry over to a remote Pacific island with their two young daughters, Stephanie and Emmy. They’ve come for a couples retreat meant to mend their increasingly strained marriage, frayed by Judith’s recent grief over her mother’s death.

As Steve reluctantly attends counseling sessions, the girls are left to wander the resort’s lush landscapes. Shy six-year-old Emmy discovers an ominous seaside cave rumored to bridge the living and dead. She wonders if her late grandmother’s ghost might visit her there.

The couple meets Pat and Carol, another interracial pair grappling with marital woes. Easygoing Pat bonds with Judith over both being Asian, stirring Steve’s latent jealousy and insecurity. His callous comments betray racial prejudice thinly veiled behind feeble jokes.

Meanwhile counselors employ New Age techniques to excavate Steve and Judith’s buried hurts. But cathartic confessions devolve into booze-fueled blowups that widen their divides rather than heal them.

Hama-Brown deftly braids these sputtering therapy sessions with the girls’ coming-of-age adventures, where subtle racism’s insidiousness is revealed through childish jokes and casual jabs. Their innocence contrasts against the ugly truths unearthed in their parents.

The family fractures further as resentments erupt over Judith’s effort — unlike Steve’s apathy — to nurture her mixed-race daughters’ identity despite cultural gaps. Amid this turmoil, young Emmy retreats again to the cave, where the approaching tide threatens to trap her. The climax leaves Judith forever changed, her illusions washed away by the sea.

Unpacking the Ghosts That Haunt Us

At its core, “Seagrass” is a meditation on different forms of grief and regret’s corrosive effects on relationships. Judith’s unresolved trauma surrounding her mother’s recent death triggers deeper regrets over neglecting her Japanese-Canadian cultural heritage. This personal grief stresses the already fragile bonds with her family.

Seagrass Review

Hama-Brown uses the supernatural symbolism of ghosts as stand-ins for the lingering emotional fallout of loss. The ethereal presence trailing Emmy seems tied to Judith’s mother but also evokes the forgotten history of Japanese internment camps in Canada. Unspoken cultural grief radiates through the film.

The story powerfully depicts how Judith and Steve’s crumbling marriage ripples out to their daughters. Casual racism’s subtle cruelty surfaces through both ignorant jokes and consciously toxic barbs from Steve and other characters that betray Canada’s unreconciled history.

Yet Judith and Steve respond differently to their issues being dragged into the light during failed counseling sessions. While Judith tries to nurture her daughters’ mixed cultural identity, Steve withdraws into fragile masculinity. His resentment over successful Asian man Pat highlights racist misperceptions.

Ultimately “Seagrass” tenderly reveals how facile cracks in relationships can deepen into ravines when existing wounds go ignored. Though life’s tragedies often breed ghosts, Hama-Brown suggests bonds might be mended by openly addressing their lingering pain.

Understanding the Family at the Heart of “Seagrass”

As Judith, Ally Maki delivers a nuanced portrait of hidden grief’s slow corrosion. Her mother’s death dredges up cultural disconnects, as she regrets not nurturing her daughters’ Japanese-Canadian lineage. Outwardly trying to mend her declining marriage, Judith slowly confronts how Steve takes her efforts for granted.

Seagrass Review

Insensitive Steve seems anxious to paper over their cracks rather than do self-work. Luke Robert depicts Steve’s buried insecurity and prejudice that torment his wife and kids. Whether it’s mocking therapy or putting down Asian men, Steve’s casual cruelty exposes his fragility when challenged.

Contrasting her parents are the two sisters. Eleven-year-old Stephanie is in between childhood and budding adolescence as she pulls from little sister Emmy and new teen friends. Sensitive beyond her years, Stephanie feels the household’s fraying firsthand but hides behind a brave face.

Meanwhile, lonely Emmy receives the film’s supernatural hauntings as both comforting and frightening. She lacks Stephanie’s confidence but her openness to mystery brings ghostly imagery flowing into reality. Strong performances by child actors Nyha Huang Breitkreuz and Remy Marthaller make the duo compelling lenses to view their parents’ issues.

By closely observing even well-intentioned family ties unweave under invisible strains, “Seagrass” reveals our human bonds as gossamer threads vulnerable to unexpected trauma. Unless nurtured and repaired, we risk losing those we love most.

Capturing Emotional Turmoil Through Stunning Imagery

Beyond its powerful writing and acting, “Seagrass” immerses viewers in its familial tension through arresting cinematography and symbolic use of setting. Cinematographer Norm Li provides a prime Indie Spirit nominee, flooding scenes in gauzy light or ominous shadows mirroring shifts from tranquility to unease.

Seagrass Review

Li’s camera floats spectrally above forest and waves, suggesting watchful ancestral eyes observing the family’s breakdown. Dreamlike tilts take on the perspective of little Emmy’s wandering imagination. The film lavishes time on environment details — dancing light through trees, tide pools brimming with weird life — accentuating nature’s ethereal power and sublime danger.

The wooded island location becomes its own character, at times idyllic and others foreboding. Li often frames characters small within expansive Pacific Northwest wilderness backdrops. This visual reminder of human frailty against implacable forces reinforces the fragility of memory, relationships, and life itself.

By having Li focus on transitional images — swaying sea grass, the mouth of the liminal spirit cave, worm trails zigzagging on wet sand — Hama-Brown wordlessly evokes themes of ephemeral earthly bonds and fleeting time. Li’s cinematography lingers like half-grasped ghosts of visual memories seared into the mind long after the credits roll.

Few recent indie dramas have achieved such synergy between emotional and visual narratives to deliver the intuitive punch of “Seagrass.” It deserves awards recognition for this rare accomplishment.

Standout Performances Give “Seagrass” its Emotional Resonance

At the heart of “Seagrass” lies a remarkable lead performance by Ally Maki as grief-stricken mother Judith. Maki navigates intricate emotional shifts from simmering despair to wounded rage with piercing authenticity. Through weary eyes and subtle gestures, we feel Judith’s festering regrets over her frayed marriage, compromised parenting, and cultural alienation. Maki’s work should receive Independent Spirit award attention.

Seagrass Review

As aloof husband Steve, Luke Roberts proves an ideal counterpoint to showcase Maki’s range. Whether clowning in group therapy or tossing barbs at Judith, Roberts keenly etches Steve’s insecure bravado masking his failings as a partner and father. We can’t hate Steve given flash glimpses suggesting his own childhood shortcomings.

But the film’s secret weapons are revelatory turns by child actors Nyha Huang Breitkreuz and Remy Marthaller as daughters Stephanie and Emmy. Beyond their stunning naturalism, both convey wordless heartbreak realizing their family foundations are anything but firm. We watch innocence dim through their eyes.

Together these four form an acting showcase revealing fissures splitting even seemingly sturdy relationships. Their collective talent forges an indie drama of forfeited chances and rediscovered purpose worthy of award recognition.

A Compelling Portrait of Family Ghosts We All Face

With her debut drama “Seagrass,” writer-director Meredith Hama-Brown announces herself as a rising indie talent to watch. Crafting an intimate character study grounded by Ally Maki’s outstanding lead performance, the film packs cumulative power observing a family’s fraying ties. Sublime cinematography captures both nature’s splendor and the supernatural symbolism of lingering personal regrets that quietly haunt our connections.

Seagrass Review

Some may find the film’s near two-hour running time overindulgent, while a climactic awards-baiting moment rings slightly contrived. But patient viewers will be rewarded by a deft exploration of themes around cultural grief, identity, and our fragile bonds with those closest. Hama-Brown reveals how even small unaddressed wounds can rend relationships when crisscrossed.

Films this thematically and emotionally complex are rare enough to overlook modest flaws. Bolstered by Maki’s nuanced turn plus astonishing child actor performances, “Seagrass” should entertain arthouse and wider audiences alike seeking resonant stories about the fallout from loss. Attuned viewers may leave pondering their own family ghosts needing to be laid to rest at last through openness.

The Review

Seagrass

8 Score

Ultimately, "Seagrass" heralds an intriguing new directorial voice in Meredith Hama-Brown. This patiently crafted indie drama pierces with its authentic exploration of family bonds strained by grief and time's steady erosion. Ally Maki's fantastic performance grounds the film's ethereal style and melancholic power. For fans of emotional stories about the ghosts we inherit from loss and regret, "Seagrass" provides a compelling portrait bursting with human insight.

PROS

  • Strong lead performance by Ally Maki
  • Beautiful cinematography and directing
  • Powerful exploration of grief, regret, and family
  • Strong child actor performances
  • Emotionally resonant themes and ending

CONS

  • Overlong runtime that drags at times
  • The husband character verges on being too unlikable
  • Some occasionally stilted dialogue
  • Final act could feel slightly contrived

Review Breakdown

  • Overall 0
Tags: Ally MakiCeroma FilmsChris PangDramaExperimental Forest FilmsFeaturedHannah BosLuke RobertsMeredith Hama-BrownNyha Huang BreitkreuzOscar VargasRemy MarthallerSeagrass
Previous Post

Tekken 8 Microtransactions Spark Backlash Among Fans

Next Post

Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance Review: We’ll Be Back

Try AI Movie Recommender

Gazettely AI Movie Recommender

This Week's Top Reads

  • Mountainhead Review

    Mountainhead Review: Deepfakes and Deep Trouble

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 Review – Bridging Eras with Spellbinding Charm

    25 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Boglands Review: Shadows and Whispers in the Irish Mist

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Death Valley Review: A Witty Welsh Wander into Cosy Crime

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Better Sister Season 1 Review: Not Quite a Killer Thriller

    14 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Nine Puzzles Season 1 Review: Puzzle Pieces, Pain, and Police Procedurals

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • MobLand Season 1 Review: Family Ties and Underworld Intrigues

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Must Read Articles

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review
Reviews Games

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

2 days ago
Stick Season 1 Review
TV Shows

Stick Season 1 Review: Owen Wilson Drives a Heartfelt, Flawed Dramedy

2 days ago
Destination X Review
Entertainment

Destination X Review: A Game of Veiled Realities

3 days ago
Earnhardt Review
Entertainment

Earnhardt Review: The Anatomy of a NASCAR Titan

3 days ago
The Ritual Review
Entertainment

The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

4 days ago
Loading poll ...
Coming Soon
Who is the best director in the horror thriller genre?

Gazettely is your go-to destination for all things gaming, movies, and TV. With fresh reviews, trending articles, and editor picks, we help you stay informed and entertained.

© 2021-2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

What’s Inside

  • Movie & TV Reviews
  • Game Reviews
  • Featured Articles
  • Latest News
  • Editorial Picks

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About US
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Review Guidelines

Follow Us

Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movies
  • Entertainment News
  • Movie and TV Reviews
  • TV Shows
  • Game News
  • Game Reviews
  • Contact Us

© 2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

Go to mobile version