In Run The Tide, Taylor Lautner gives a beautifully measured performance as Rey, the protective older brother to Oliver (played by Nico Christou) who Rey has raised since Lola, their drug abusing mother was imprisoned. Played by Constance Zimmer, it is Lola's release from prison that triggers Rey to kidnap his younger brother and head for the coast in search of his dreams.
Written by Rajiv Shah, Run The Tide takes you on an emotional journey that explores themes around family, lost opportunities and forgiveness. All played out through a set of characters who feel real and complex. There might be times in the movie when you might question some of the decisions made by Rey and co., but for the most part you'll believe in their journey. It's quite a slender, delicate story that Rajiv Shah weaves in this film, but I think it is to his credit that he resists the temptation to try and fill the story out with other elements that may distract.
It's a story that is sensitively handled by the director Soham Mehta who creates a film that asks to be judged on its own merits, allowing the story to play out without rushing the audience. There's a definite visual style to the film with a proliferation of blues and with the assistance of cinematographer John T. Conner, some nice visual flourishes. Excellent song selections (an art form itself) further add to the personal feeling of the film.
However, this film wouldn't work without the delicate interplay between the characters that each actor brings to the film, made possible by an excellent cast that is rounded out by Kenny Johnson (Bates Motel) and Johanna Braddy (Quantico). At its heart though, is the relationship between the two brothers that runs right through this film. It is this (sometimes difficult) bond between Rey and Oliver that the audience needs to believe in for this film to succeed in hitting the right notes emotionally. On this point, Taylor and Nico can't be faulted, with the latter gaining extra kudos with this being his first film role.
Taylor Lautner has had more than his fair share of critics when it comes to his acting over the years. But in Run The Tide, he gives his best dramatic performance to date and one that will far exceed the expectations of many of his past critics. What Taylor needs now is a few more roles like this, that allow him to truly showcase his acting ability and turn the tide of criticism that he has unfairly faced in the past.
All in all, it is satisfying to watch a film that tells a story based in the real world for a change, one whose ending leaves you wanting to know more about each and every character.
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