Throughout The Deep
Blue Sea, it feels like Hester Collyer should be apologizing for something.
Her emotions have driven her to different places, often hurting people in the
process. Yet her real fault is her passion.
At first she is in a loveless marriage to an older judge
with a mother who would fit right in with Maggie Smith on Downton Abbey, but without the charm. Then Hester finds a Royal Air
Force pilot that excites her on a more carnal and romantic level than her
husband ever has.
As if it was a beautiful dance, writer/director Terence
Davies and actress Rachel Weisz make Hester’s story something beyond a period
piece romance but a sympathetic tale of confusion and love. The film is shown
through a glorious lens that betrays logic by making some of the saddest things
look like a moment of hope.
Why is Hester wrong for trying to go with her emotions? That’s
what all romantic comedies do where the lead realizes they must follow their
true love. Yet in reality there is more at stake where attempting to do such a
thing will leave you vulnerable and hurt.
The Deep Blue Sea
appears deceptively simple but challenges how pursuits should attempted through
very confident storytelling. Well recommended.
