THE KING TIDE

Ten years past the discovery of a baby on the shores of their small New England fishing island, residents have avoided sickness and death through the girl’s mysterious ability to heal those around her. Young Isla is essentially the town’s diety. With her mysterious power, she holds the balance of life and death in her presence. Because of this, the adults have sheltered the children, telling stories of mainlanders as evil outsiders. They know nothing of technology or books from off the shores, nothing of illness that Isla cannot cure. Following a traumatic experience, her talents come into question, launching the village into panic and chaos. With elements of The Village and The Green Mile, themes of isolation, paranoia, morality, and magic pull the viewer into a swirling mystery.

The cast is strong, particularly Alix West Lefler as Isla. She has a purity to her performance that is nothing short of mesmerizing. The overcast skies, neutral costumes, and lantern-lit sets keep us unsettled. The foreboding cello-heavy score makes you catch your breath. The tension builds into an uncontrollable monster. The film culminates in a shocking and award-worthy finale. THE KING TIDE is inarguably one of the best-written films of the year. It deserves a prequel and a sequel. It is a must-see.

Directed by 

Christian Sparkes

Writing Credits  

Kevin Coughlin … (story by)

Ryan Grassby … (story by)

Albert Shin

William Woods