The Sea Was Never Blue (2022) User Reviews

Original, thought-provoking indie

[pm-22096-33181 · 9/10 · 16 November 2022]

An original and thought-provoking independent movie that looks at our modern times through a variety of points of view. Lots of interesting ideas on politics, economics, and societal norms told with interesting characters and a compelling story that keeps the viewer engaged.

I liked the unique story structure and the look of the film. The performances were all really solid. Everyone involved seemed to do a great job.

I love to see people who are willing to take the risk and actually make something, especially when it's something they're passionate about. Really impressed with what they did given the budget they had.

Well worth the watch!

A solid film which will inspire conversations

[gregorybennick · 9/10 · 13 November 2022]

Before I begin, I need to note that while I had nothing to do with the producing, writing, or directing of this film, I did supply my voice for a five second segment where I am a radio DJ in the background of one scene. Ok, now that that connection and disclaimer has been made:

While watching this film for the first time today, I was very happily surprised. It's easy to default to lower expectations of independent films in terms of the aspects of filmmaking that multi-million dollar budgets make possible. This film is a counterbalance to those expectations. The acting is solid throughout, with any script/acting/edit issues inconsequential and barely noticeable. I found myself looking for them, which makes me a bad movie watcher, not a good watcher of a bad movie! I liked the entire film.

Adam Assad packs more political angles, ideas, and clear thinking opinions into a small handful of scenes than many news shows do in prime internet time on CNN or Foxnews. The result, without giving anything away, is a movie which works on multiple levels: as an indie narrative, and as a screenshot into multiple angles of American political life. As a result, it would be very easy to launch conversations around any or all of the characters and their back stories.

Solid performances from all the actors. Great music. Good editing overall. We could pick apart the tiny things here and there but literally that would be just for conversation if one chose to nitpick. And there's no reason to because things like character arcs and tension and acting were there. I am sure those elements will only improve with his next film and his next after that.

Looking forward to seeing what comes next from Adam and I hope I get to revise my role as radio commentator, hopefully next time for more than five seconds!

Compelling film that takes on complex themes

[jcairns-468-29228 · 8/10 · 19 November 2022]

Saw this solid indie on Tubi and it really stood out as one of the better films you can find on a platform like that. The characters are distinct and quite memorable and the struggles they face are.tragic and moving. Was very ambitious for the themes it dealt with, was shot well and had a sizeable cast of characters. I thought the role that Eric Roberts played was refreshing compared to a lot of roles he gets nowadays. Some of the actors and acting was stronger than others and, at times, the film relies too heavily on dialogue, but it was never boring or overly contrived. This seems to be a first feature so definitely looking forward to what this talented writer-director will do next.

The characters situations are so relatable it hurts

[jbti-01412 · 10/10 · 20 November 2022]

The main character, Josh, is facing financial problems and can't secure gainful employment coupled with psychological problems from his service in the armed forces. At the beginning he confronts his psychologist about the bill needed for counseling services, and I think this will hit home to a lot of people who struggled with mental health, especially the irony that when finances are a major cause of anxiety, they industry slaps you with a heavy bill to get it treated.

I like also that it treats the people who like Trump sympathetically without endorsing or condoning their views. Instead the movie uses the old arguments and attacks you hear between different political groups to highlight just how tired and shallow they can be sometimes. It doesn't try to deconstruct the characters' reasons for their views but rather focuses on how the political system divides unlikely friends.

It's kind of like Breakfast Club for poor people. If you've ever had to work the gig economy, you'll find the movie relatable.

Film captures real world political dynamics excellent

[danmartinsal · 10/10 · 2 March 2023]

Currently its almost impossible to get a objective take on U. S. politics. With all forms of media playing team politics and further exhausting the audience, this film is refreshing and tackles life in America post 2016. I found the characters to express what life in Los Angeles has been like and the tension we all deal with day to day.

Usually political films are cringe and one sided but this film stood out with its story and plot development. It has a immersive aspect that gives it a feeling of being real. Overall this was an excellent, challenging film and an impressive first feature for the director.

Touched on Raw Emotion

[spanishwellsproductions-97941 · 8/10 · 9 July 2023]

The Sea was Never Blue is an interesting Indie film in that it touched on raw emotion that hits both sides of the aisle for many individuals in America today. No matter what one's political beliefs might be, people need one another, and should be there when the 'going' becomes 'impossible.' I found myself interested in the emotions of the characters, what triggered their edge and what made them come together. Sometimes we just need to be there and care about others no matter what else is happening. I enjoyed the ensemble of actors, all convincing that they, like so many, needed to be heard and understood.

One of the better Indie films!

Delivered Raw Emotion

[elizabethbennett-86085 · 8/10 · 9 July 2023]

This Indie film certainly delivered when dealing with emotions and the psychology of how individuals can be from completely different backgrounds and find a common thread to tie them together. We need more coming together in America and The Sea was Never Blue revealed a raw desperation that has been infiltrating and seeping into many walks of life. It has an interesting group of actors, nice cinematography, and a film that refreshingly keeps your interest.

Best Cinematography 2023 at the Marina Del Rey Film Festival and 2022 Winner Festival Award for Best Narrative Feature Film.

Recommended and will watch it again!