Shifting Tides
Critic:
Patrick Foley
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Posted on:
Oct 15, 2024
Directed by:
Yoan Petrov
Written by:
Yoan Petrov
Starring:
Yuri Angelov, Yoan Popov, Hristo Borisov
Generational divides and family trauma are explored in Shifting Tides, Yoan Petrov’s moving short set on a coast that acts as a dividing line between a bereaved uncle and nephew.
Having recently lost his mother, Kristian (Yoan Popov) heads to a remote fishing village to find his reclusive uncle Mitio (Yuri Angelov). The pair couldn’t be much more unlike each other – with Kristian’s upbringing in the city putting him at odds with the harbour life, and the two struggle to find common ground even with their shared loss. But the time they spend together thaw’s their issues, and a hidden history helps Mitio rekindle a familial sense.
Shifting Tides has a powerful sense of empathy and heart. Yoan Petrov’s intelligent writing style gives definition to both uncle and nephew – critical to the film’s success given that their differences are the driver of the plot. Kristian’s modern sensibilities come through authentically and naturally, as do his clashes with Mitio (who makes his disdain of vegans particularly known). The slower pace of the film fits their awkwardness with each other, and allows the pain each share to emanate during quieter moments of the story.
Director of photography Giorgos Tsamis stages events beautifully – particularly during the closing scenes of the film on the lake. The palette of the film seems to match the relationship dynamic – natural darks taking precedence during moments of tension or difficulty when the divide between Kristian and Mitio feels insurmountable, and lighter and more vibrant when they are finding common ground or confronting long neglected thoughts and feelings. The imagery is sometimes a little standard during slower moments and doesn’t always compliment the quieter scenes.
Yuri Angelov’s Uncle Mitio dominates his environment throughout most of the film – never feeling ruffled by his nephew’s presence or stopping to question his way of life. He quietly carries his sorrow at both his sister’s death and the resentment at her abandonment with him, and Angelov’s nuanced performance allows his inner turmoil to slowly bubble through. Yoan Popov’s performance as nephew Kristian is a world away from his uncle, echoing so many young people who return to familial homes to find little in common with the places of their heritage. Popov instils an uncertain drive in Kristian – a young person who knows where he has to be and what he has to do, but who doesn’t quite understand why.
Whilst it drags at times and doesn’t always maintain visual engagement, Shifting Tides succeeds on the back of strong, committed performances and a relatable central relationship between engaging characters. The generational divide at the films’ centre is one that audiences will recognise in different locales and languages, and shows that even those with nothing in common can find a bond.
Watch of Video Film Review of Shifting Tides.