The Reel Review
A remote island fishing community off the coast of Newfoundland flourishes when a mysterious young infant with supernatural powers washes ashore on the eve of a king tide. But years later, when the young girl’s mysterious powers appear to wane, it brings out the worst in the demanding villagers, in this mystery/thriller.
Director Christian Sparkes, working from a cleverly written screenplay, allows the dread and horror to build organically in this untraditional mystery/thriller that is more about the dark side of human nature than it is the supernatural. Young Isla has powers to reverse aging, cure illnesses and draw a bounty of fish into the nets of the island’s beleaguered fishermen just by sticking her hand in the ocean. But when a tragedy causes a shift in those powers, the island’s villagers, including her own adoptive family, become villains as they put their needs ahead of her welfare.
Despite a slow start, The King Tide’s crisp visuals and adept storytelling give a sense of the stark isolation and mistrust of mainlanders by this island community. The acting throughout – particularly from Clayne Crawford, Aden Young, Francis Fisher and young Alix West Lefler, is authentic and genuine, culminating in a shocking, thought-provoking conclusion.
REEL FACTS
• Actress Francis Fisher (Watchmen, Unforgiven) was in a five-year relationship with Clint Eastwood from 1990 to 1995. They have a daughter, Francesca.
• Clayne Crawford and Aden Young previously starred together in the series Rectify.
• The King Tide was filmed in Keels, Newfoundland, population 30. Many locals appeared in the film as background characters.
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