It’s a rarity to come across a film I know nothing about, as with The Block Island Sound (2020). It’s nice not knowing what to expect when going into a film, but social media makes it almost impossible. Thanks to the folks over at Synapse Films, they’ve brought the thriller to Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD to experience.
Written and directed by the McManus Brothers (Kevin and Matthew), the film takes the high road. It delivers a dark tale that’s wonderfully written and slowly navigates the viewer into the world of a family being torn apart by an unknown phenomenon.
Off the coast of Block Island, mysterious happenings have begun to occur, especially when the fish are washing up dead on shore, and birds are falling from the sky. No one knows what’s causing it, not even law enforcement.
Harry (Chris Sheffield) cares for his father as he grows increasingly forgetful. Meanwhile, his sister Audry (Michaela McManus) and her young daughter arrive in the area since her work as a marine biologist has summoned her there. Soon, things spiral out of control, and Harry is grasping at straws to keep his sanity. Something out there is calling to him. Audry wants to help him figure out what’s happening, but the answers she’s looking for might not be what she wants to find.
This is one of those films where the less you know, the better. It moves slowly, taking time to develop character, which works in its favor. I’d suggest looking elsewhere if you’re looking for a quick thrill. The family unit is an interesting group, estranged in many ways and dealing with grief. They want to connect, but it doesn’t always work that way.
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The cast is fantastic, as Sheffield and McManus deliver believable performances that carry and elevate the picture.
The 4K release helped draw me in. There’s some beautiful photography above and below the water, which pops and showcases how stunning the open sea can be. I’m unsure what their budget looked like, but they were able to put it all onscreen. The way the story plays out, the finale really delivers.
In addition to the wonderful 4K transfer, the disc also contains an audio commentary track with Kevin and Matthew McManus, the original trailer, the “Finding the Cast” featurette, the “Filming on the Water” featurette, “Special Effects on a Shoestring,” a behind-the-scenes look shot on Super 8mm, McManus family movies, and more.
The Block Island Sound is a unique and bleak experience with a wonderful release by Synapse Films.
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