Cast
View AllJesse Metcalfe
as Jeff "J. W." Jackson
Sarah Lind
as Zee Madieras
Eric Keenleyside
as Police Chief Madieras
Chelsea Hobbs
as Jackie Shawl
Bradley Stryker
as Barista Bob
Sunita Prasad
as Britt Prajna
Camille Mitchell
as Lila Winchester
Benjamin Wilkinson
as Adam Shearin
Kehli O'Byrne
as Bernie Orwell
Jason McKinnon
as Don Samuels
Garfield Wilson
as Carl Kilburn
Fred Keating
as Dr. Eli Leichtner
Austin Anozie
as Officer Davis
Alison Araya
as Suzanne Dillon
Nelson Wong
as Detective Andy Lau
Crew
Director
- Mark Jean
Writer
- Gillian Horvath
Producer
- Charles Cooper
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Ships in the Night: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery represents a fascinating example of Mystery/TV Movie/Crime cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Mark Jean 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 pacing and visual storytelling 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 critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Ships in the Night: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 65 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 114 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
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 Ships in the Night: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Knock Knock, which focuses more on action than character development, Ships in the Night: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Pop Goes the Easel and Six Degrees of Separation explore similar territory, Ships in the Night: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: January 17, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 24m
Where to Watch



