Cast
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Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
as Babel "Babe" Johnson
Heather Graham
as Savannah
Donna DeGregorio
as Lollipop 's Girl
Reyna de Courcy
as Surfer Girl
Christopher McDonald
as Det. Paddy Sheehan
Jennifer Ehle
as Kate
Louis Mustillo
as Jimmy
Tyler Elliot Burke
as Alfie
Lauren LaVera
as Buttercup/Pusher
Sean Ringgold
as Big G
Jake Weber
as Sgt. McCulvey
Rob Morgan
as Sergeant Walker
Pamela Dunlap
as Mrs. Harrington
Celeste O'Connor
as Amy
Crew
Director
- Emanuele Della Valle
Writer
- Emanuele Della Valle
Producer
- Fred C. Caruso
Reviews
John Chard
Neo-Noir fans can find much to admire, and much to be angry with here.
At the time of writing, Wetlands has only two amateur reviews on the IMDb site, something which on first glance paints a damning picture. Yet purveyors of film noir and its kindred spirits should at the least take a look at this grim portrayal of lost souls functioning in Atlantic City all while a devilish storm heads towards them.
Plot is by the numbers from the noir 101 playbook. Police officer (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) is a recovering addict who battles his past demons whilst trying to save his loved ones from unlawful scumbags. And that's pretty much it, the impending storm is a sort of metaphor for the turmoil going on in the lives of everyone involved in the story. The script is hardly high quality either, and anyone looking for an emotional investment in the characters will eventually start throwing objects at the screen. Yet rewards are here for fans of the noir form.
Characterisations are pungent with a bleakness that holds court. Corruption, sexual kinks, addictions, infidelity, dark deeds, bohemian excess, sexual blackmail, and on it goes. That these black thunders jostle with our chief protagonist's honourable intentions makes for compelling viewing for those in the frame of mind for genre bulldozing.
Then there's Barry Markowitz' cinematography. The film is big on atmosphere as opposed to physical action, and Markowitz' photography is a key player. If it's not turning down the filters for grim texture, it's offering up pronounced primaries for a magnetic beauty that offers up hope in what seems to be a forlorn venture, very haunting in its beauty. Great work in a strong decade for neo-noir photography.
However, it's not a very good film by any stretch of the imagination, the performances are very uneven, and as the script and plotting screams for better thought, the resolution also comes off as rushed and unfulfilling. But it's no dead loss, and enough here for noir heads to savour. 6.5/10
Aug 26, 2018
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Wetlands examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Emanuele Della Valle brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Wetlands took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 79 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Wetlands shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Snake Eyes, which focuses more on action than character development, Wetlands subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Apprentice and Atlantic City explore similar territory, Wetlands stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 15, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 38m
