BY MIKEY MIGO
I love me some independent films. There’s something magical about a small movie coming to life in efforts of the actors, story, and direction, especially when it’s done in a artistic and deep manner. This past week, I sat down with a 2009 independent called “Against the Current”. It stars Joseph Fiennes as a man with a horrible past experience who out of nowhere decides to swim the Hudson River. He gets help from two friends played by Justin Kirk and Samantha Sherman. Joseph Fiennes, does a great job in the role and makes you care about his situation. He’s probably one of the most underrated indie actors out there. I know he has some huge roles under his belt and some TV credits, but I tend to always come across him in smaller movies like this. I’m not complaining. It was my first time seeing Samantha Sherman, the other friend on board, and she did well. I looked her up and she hasn’t done much mainstream stuff, but if this movie was any indication she’s probably going to pop up out of nowhere and become a superstar. She’s very talented and with the right role, she’s going to shine very bright. Then there’s a great appearance by Mary Tyler Moore. Miss Moore is great as the snobby and neurotic mother of Samantha Sherman’s character. And the other surprise appearance was Michelle Trachtenberg. I’m a huge fan of hers and here she’s really under used. She’s around for only a short time, but has a really odd and hot scene. She makes an impact, but by the end you’re so taken in by the story unfolding that you forget about both guest appearances. There’s time to laugh at the dialogue, especially from the awesome Justin Kirk of Weeds fame, time to stare at the subtle and beautiful visuals, and time to take in the depth of the story. And a lot of depth there is. For my indie drama loving self, I enjoyed the hell out of this movie. But I can’t tell my friends. It’s not that I’m embarrassed or don’t want to spread word, it’s just I can’t. The tone of the story that writer/director Peter Callahan puts together is a weird one and hard to really take. It’s hard to describe without spoiling key plot points. It’s morose, yet sweet. It’s depressing, yet hopeful. It’s gloomy, yet beautiful. All I’m saying is that it’s hard to really verbalize an opinion of the movie without knowing the person you’re speaking to has seen it. That’s probably the biggest problem a movie like this could face. A “human nature” piece is hard to promote without giving too much away or latching onto a gimmick. I guess you just have to take my word for it. If you like independent dramas that’ll linger in your soul… then watch this movie. B
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