New Oxford-set psychological thriller does something only one movie has ever done before

An upcoming psychological thriller, hailing from Oxford, promises a unique feat already accomplished by just one other film.

In the debut feature film by director and screenwriter Max Morgan, we find the story centered around the romantic relationship that blossoms between a young student and an elderly fisherman who has long since retired from his trade.

Nevertheless, this project stands out as the second production to emerge from Oxford University, following the 1982 release of “Privileged,” which marked the debut of Hugh Grant, later known for “Paddington 2,” and Mark Williams, who would gain fame in “Father Brown,” in their initial screen appearances.

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A breakwater lies nestled between the sandstone educational institutions of Oxford and the salty Suffolk shoreline. It tackles weighty financial issues while exploring profound topics such as bisexuality, mourning, penitence, and belief, as recognized by the Raindance Film Festival.

In the movie, we find ourselves following Otto, a young man whose life was significantly impacted four years earlier when his 13-year-old sister was abducted in Northern Ireland due to his mother’s temporary inattention caused by alcoholism.

Currently, Otto identifies as a devout Catholic and abstains from alcohol, considering the possibility of entering the priesthood. In addition, he is in a relationship with Lucy, who resides in the Suffolk town of Aldeburgh. However, difficulties arise in their romance due to his reluctance or inability to engage in physical intimacy with her.

Subsequently, Otto encounters an older fisherman named John, who also served in the navy, and their relationship gradually develops at a leisurely pace. Yet, doubts start to surface concerning John’s past, particularly regarding the fate of his spouse and whether Otto might uncover the truth about it.

Through the bond they forge following a mutual loss, their lives become intertwined permanently. Yet, as secrets from their past resurface, bringing guilt, sorrow, and spectral reminiscences, their connection takes on a more ominous hue.

The cast of “Breakwater” includes debutants Daniel McNamee and Agnes Halladay portraying characters Otto and Lucy, along with Shaun Paul McGrath from “Salvable” who takes on the role of John, and William Gao, known for his work in “Heartstopper,” as Matt.

The piece features music composed by Bella Simpson and Alessandro MacKinnon-Botti, as well as cinematography by Evan Bridges from the series “Grantchester”. Filming is scheduled for around spring 2023.

The movie will make its global debut at the Raindance Film Festival situated in central London on Monday, 23rd of June.

At this festival, you’ll find a variety of independently produced films. Notably, the 2025 event will unveil the global debut of the British thriller “Row,” featuring actress Sophie Skelton from “Outlander.

In the film by director Matthew Losasso, we follow a woman who survives a shipwreck and finds herself washed up on shore. As her friends and fellow crew members are either lost at sea or declared deceased, she struggles to recall what transpired after the disaster.

Additionally, two highly anticipated films are scheduled for their premieres: “Dream!,” a Christmas-themed musical by Paul Spurrier, which has been hailed as one of the largest independent films ever produced in Thailand, and “Srishti” by Paul Antar, focusing on a photographer’s journey to the Himalayan Sector K to uncover a mysterious event. Both movies will be premiering in competition.

In addition to Breakwater and Row, other British films set for their world premieres outside the competition are Dali, Emma: One Last Dance, In Symbiosis, The British Roswell (focusing on the Rendlesham UFO incident), The Two of Us, and This Is Your Captain Speaking.

The film “Breakwater” will debut at the Raindance Film Festival on the 23rd of June. As of now, a broader UK cinema release date has not been set.

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2025-05-23 13:19