Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Seagrass’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from ‘Seagrass’ Courtesy of Game Theory Films.

Caution: This review contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Seagrass’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that we as a society, are at a crossroads of sorts. Where we are eager to understand why the world is the way that it is. For it is an angry place, one where people have no qualms expressing it anymore, and it is also a place that seems lost, and without direction at times. As though we are stuck in this strange cycle from which there is no escape, but the world wants off that ride. It wants to know how, do we stop being angry, how do we start getting better and how do we find purpose as a species and well… that’s leading to some serious surprises for all of us.

For we are now making breakthroughs regarding mental health and how our behaviors are made, and what those breakthroughs are uncovering, really is shocking. In that… our world is mired in toxic behaviors. The kind that are learned through what is now known as generational trauma, and through outdated and outmoded societal standards that need to change. Not to mention, we are quickly learning how much our emotions dictate our choices and decisions, based upon critical memories and moments that we didn’t think had an impact upon us. Which is a lot to process when all is said and done, to the point where we’ve yet to really start to pinpoint how all of this comes to life and how perhaps we break through it all.

But thankfully, there are some creative minds out there connecting the dots, and they’re creating works that not only entertain, but educate and guide us and it just so happens, that a new film explores the source and its impact, and how we break free, in Seagrass. Which are feats that this film accomplishes by taking us on a powerful journey with a broken family. For Judith, the matriarch of this family, is struggling with grief and a lack of happiness in her marriage to her husband Steve. So, she has brought Steve, and her two daughters, Stephanie, and Emmy, along to a family retreat. Where the plan is to heal and find common ground between mom and dad. But alas, this retreat will be anything but easy. For soon, Judith’s eyes will be opened to realities she never thought possible and that will change the landscape of her family, forever.

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Which really is… the perfect plot in which to explore how we’ve reached the point that we have as a society. Since Judith is so many of us. Since we come to learn that she is someone that has experienced trauma and was told to push forward. And isn’t sure if her life is where she wants it to be but was told… to push forward. Giving rise to an understanding that much of our toxic behaviors stem from expectations of the world because we don’t cherish mental health care and believe that forging ahead and immersion fixes our concerns. When in fact, we hurt, and we don’t feel fulfilled and that brings us to places of anger, places where we lash out in frustration and our children see this and believe it is okay, since mom and dad are trusted. So, they express it, and they push it forward and just like that… we are indeed caught in a horrible cycle that never seems to end.
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But it can, for the film also explores how… we must confront our pain, must confront what is bothering us because to not do so, creates the torturous nature that we’ve seen parents and other loved ones indulge in. But if we do the right thing, and go after those problems, there’s a real chance we can be free, we can find agency and break the cycle and forge a new path that brings fulfillment. All of which makes, for a powerful motion picture when all is said and done. Because it covers all of those musings, and so much more over the course of two hours. Giving the viewer so much to chew upon when the story has come to its end, and well… that’s a wonderful thing. Because these are topics we need to look at, and we need to expose the sources of our problems so we can understand their impact and begin to overcome them.

So, we can change, can be better people who inspire a better world, and the wonder of this film doesn’t end with its messaging. Because the story also feels timeless and painfully relatable thanks to its setting and its incredible direction and acting. For everyone in this story from an acting standpoint delivers shockingly real performances, and we truly feel as though we are nothing more than silent observers, at this retreat and are privy to one painful journey. The kind our own family members have been through, that we’ve been through or will go through and that makes this motion picture, important, and necessary viewing. Because it captures life so well, and all of the struggles and hopes that we share in.

‘Seagrass’ will enjoy a North American Theater Tour starting tomorrow, here is additional information on where you can see this important feature:

LOS ANGELES
Laemmle Royal, 11523 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California
Starting Thursday, February 22nd at 7:30 pm
Q&A with star and executive producer Ally Maki
Tickets & More Information

Laemmle Town Centre 5 17200 Ventura Blvd UNIT 121, Encino, CA
Starting on Friday, February 23rd

NEW YORK
The Roxy Cinema  2 6th Avenue, Cellar Level, New York, NY
Starting on Thursday, February 22nd at 7:45 pm with a Q&A
Q&A with writer/director Meredith Hama-Brown & Cinematographer Norm Li
Tickets & More Information  

Regal Union Square 850 Broadway, New York, NY 
Starting on Friday, February 23rd with a Q&A
Q&A with writer/director Meredith Hama-Brown & Cinematographer Norm Li
Tickets & More Information

LAS VEGAS
Regal Aliante Theatre, Las Vegas 
Starting on Friday, February 23rd 
Q&A with star Chris Pang

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