Little Fish – A Poignant Love Story Worth Remembering (Early Review)

When production began in early 2019 there was no telling how resonant this project would be two years later. Now in 2021, Little Fish paints a picture that is all too similar to the world we’re all currently living in. The story revolves around a couple who fight to maintain their relationship while a memory loss virus plagues the world. The depiction of the virus spread and public outcry is authentic to our current situation and doesn’t shy away from showing the dangerous outcomes. What makes this a special film is how it can establish the scope of a pandemic while still managing to stay small and singular to the intimate story of Jude and Emma.

Jack O’Connell and Olivia Cooke play Jude and Emma respectively and the chemistry they share with one another is ethereally candid. The relationship feels genuine to the point where it doesn’t seem like you’re watching a narrative feature, instead viewing a real life couple overcoming immeasurable odds. Cooke’s Emma does everything in her power to help Jude rebuild his past while still trying to optimistically look towards a future together.

Tackling a story that revolves around memory loss is always a tall task because of the delicate nature of the subject matter. Little Fish allows viewers to witness how memory loss impacts both the person diagnosed and the loved ones around them. Director Chad Hartigan addresses the fragile story in a gentle manner while shining a spotlight on the illness and its effects. Similarly to films like Away from Her and Still Alice, Little Fish offers yet another truthful depiction of memory loss on the big screen. Though the film tackles heavy themes it manages to find a soulful truth on love and how it conquers all. Through the films events, viewers watch as a couple falls back into love due to the tragic circumstances they’re presented with.

Hartigan effectively portrays the haunting story with elegance as the scenes are shot with a shallow depth of field to display the blurry perspective of those impacted by the illness. The world around Jude and Emma is bleak but the light that is their love for one another shines brightest. Keegan DeWitt, composer of the film provides the story with a melancholic pulse that enhances the nostalgic moments between the two leads. Often Little Fish feels like flipping through a photo album, reliving the life of someone one just met. The film succeeds thanks in large part to the two lead performances which convey a keen sense of compassion for one another throughout the story. For a film that tackles memory loss, Hartigan establishes a tone that allows viewers the chance to perceive the story from the perspective of both Emma and Jude.

In the end, Little Fish is a remarkable love story that is sure to stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

still courtesy of IFC Films

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mattprazak