Over/Under

A warmth unique to summer memories infuses this film, generating an all-encompassing sense of place and naturalism usually reserved for more established directors’ work. Coupled with two young lead performances that feel so specific they appear to be unscripted, and Over/Under becomes a dreamy, captivating film that anyone can compare to their own hazy memories of growing up and facing changes in years-long friendships.

Best friends Violet (Emajean Bullock) and Stella (Anastasia Veronica Lee) struggle through puberty at different rates and in different parts of the country, reuniting every summer on the New England coast. The weight of their solo experiences drags on their friendship over the years, from age nine to thirteen. Violet is bullied at school and made to witness her parents' struggling marriage, whilst Stella bears the dread of her mother’s cancer and family’s history of dementia. Their individual troubles batter and rock the foundations of their friendship just as the ocean waves they swim against every summer on the beach; some they jump over with ease, others they have to crash through.

Not since Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade has there been such an accurate depiction of the funny awkwardness of young teens forcing themselves into ‘adult’ situations sooner than they’re ready for. The unvoiced competition around first kisses, first armpit hair and first breasts provides relief and relatable humour within the toxic maelstrom of early-teenagehood. The practical signs of aging shown across the cast are astonishingly well-done, as though the viewer is flipping through a family photo album showing the same person across years that aren’t too spread out, but just enough to recognise burgeoning differences.

At times the story is a little over-stuffed with underdeveloped side beats and characters that distract from the central pair, but that’s forgivable due to the film’s unhurried and memory-ladden nature. Rarely are events from early life you remember later clean, tidy and resolved, and that’s normal. As the film makes clear, what matters are the people and places you choose to hold close to your heart. This assured and confident debut from Sophia Silver leaves me looking forward to seeing more of her work. Any filmmaker who can craft two such natural yet complex lead performances from young actors has plenty more in her heart to show us.