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Little Fish

Little Fish (2021)

A couple fights to hold their relationship together as a memory loss virus spreads and threatens to erase the history of their love and courtship.

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Directed by Chad Hartigan

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Chad Hartigan
Producer
  • Chris Ferguson
  • Mattson Tomlin
  • Lia Buman
  • Tim Headington
  • Rian Cahill
  • Brian Kavanaugh-Jones

Reviews

beyondthecineramadome
10/10

Full review: <a>https://www.tinakakadelis.com/beyond-the-cinerama-dome/2021/12/28/remembering-is-a-lonely-way-tonbsplive-little-fish-review<a>

Slated to premiere at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival and ultimately postponed due to Covid-19, _Little Fish_ is the victim of terrible timing. The rights were purchased in late 2020, but Little Fish did not get released until April 2021, a full year into the pandemic. It is not the victim of timing simply due to the delay, but also because _Little Fish_ is about a pandemic. It’s difficult for audiences to muster the desire to see this film while the pandemic continues to rage with no end in sight.

Jun 20, 2022

tensharpe
7/10

“Little Fish” is a heartbreaking, emotionally draining, end of days love story. The World is in the midst of a pandemic, but this neuroinflammatory affliction takes something more from people than just their lives, it destroys memory. Much like Alzheimer’s disease, if NIA is contracted  memories are erased, leaving the ones you love unaware of who you are or where they live.   

“ Little Fish” Follows newlywed’s Jude ( Jack O’Connell ) and Emma ( Olivia Cooke ) along with their best friends Ben ( Raul Castillo ) and Samantha ( Soko ) as they are given devastating news. The microcosmic focus on the two couples is extremely effective. Well aware of World events unfolding around them, Plane crashes, car crashes, people going missing “Little Fish” just centres on the two couples as they battle to save their relationships as the pandemic takes its toll on both couples.

As the narrative in “Little Fish” jumps timelines showing before and after NIA the deterioration in memory, particularly Jude, becomes emotionally devastating. Can someone who was so in love not remember anything of their partner or can their partner continue loving someone who is a shadow of their former self? 

A beautiful , gut punch of a movie.

Mar 16, 2023

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Little Fish 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 Chad Hartigan 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 2021, 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 Little Fish took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 160 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
  • The costume department created over 180 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Little Fish shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Fluke, which focuses more on action than character development, Little Fish offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Ava and Julienne of Light Bulbs explore similar territory, Little Fish stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: February 5, 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 41m
  • Revenue: $39,053

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