The Deep Blue Sea

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.