By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Ivy Meeropol
Year: 2023
Running time: 88
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14746834/reference/
Michael says: “This enlightening documentary about the tragic death of a young surfer from shark attack off the coast of Cape Cod did two major things for me. It granted me a newfound respect for the job of lifeguard, and it got me deeply interested in the Marine Coastal Studies and ecology of coastal Cape Cod. While the film does use the tragic attack as the starting point of its investigation, it is most successful as it dives deeply into the Cape’s unique ecology, and the ways human change and devastate the environment. The fascinating research on sharks is also well-represented given their sad misinterpretation if fiction and movies. Most surprisingly, I was quite moved but the interviews with lifeguards whose work can be perceived as young, tanned, athletic men and women lounging on the beach, but who take their responsibilities very seriously on the beaches of the Cape, staying ever alert of sharks. Beautifully shot, and well-told, this is a doc that is entertaining and informative. 4 1/2 cats”