Life is a series of transcendent experiences. Like waves of a turbulent sea, as one trouble is ultimately overcome, another challenge slips in to cause a new reign of havoc. With a big literal nod to Erik Ericson, a renowned psychologist for his theory of eight psychosocial stages of life, “Year By the Sea” is about a path to self-identity and actualization.
Set in Cape Cod, three fabulous actresses carry this film to glory. The lead, Joan, is played by Karen Allen, best known as Indiana Jones’ girlfriend in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Natural and unaffected, Allen plays an empty-nester who has the courage to isolate herself on an island indulging in hanging out with seals, writing a memoir and pumping her own water.
The Golden Globe, Emmy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize award-winning cast is outstanding. Celia Imrie, known from the two “Marigold Hotel” movies, and S. Epatha Merkerson, beloved TV star of “Law & Order” as well as “Chicago Med,” add humor and insightful depth to the production. A handsome Canadian, Yannick Bisson, adds a surprising presence as does the older, conflicted, silver-haired, real-life Pulitzer Prize winner, Michael Cristofer.
Based on the international and NY Times bestselling memoir by Joan Anderson, “Year by the Sea” is a film written and directed by Alexander Janko. He captures Anderson’s quintessential identity crisis, personified at the film’s beginning as a quiet little mouse in a cage. He has written, “I’d pulled the rip cord on Hollywood. So her opening line—the decision to separate seemed to happen overnight—struck a chord. Like many midlife readers worldwide, my raison d’être was eluding me. Joan’s mission to find herself anew is so honest it’s impossible to avoid asking yourself the questions she poses. One of them—who are we beyond the roles we play?—inspired me to dig deep.”
How the Anderson/Janko characters deal with this now-commonly examined phenomenon of anomie at middle and later age is new territory. Imrie’s use of dance and gallant imagination is reflected in her personal spirit as well as wardrobe and make-up. Merkerson’s droll humor as the literary agent, who is sure writing can solve all problems, has an empathic sense that makes her the best friend everyone wants. Along with handsome Yannick Bisson, the cast juxtaposes well against Allen’s character who seems to be perfectly satisfied selling fish products.
“Year by the Sea” is an inspiring, thoughtful, talk-it-over film. At some point Joan asks, “Are we ever complete?” She answers herself, “Just as incomplete as the shoreline along the beach.”
Already a winner of 16 awards on the film festival circuit, including Best Ensemble Cast, this well-acted film opens at Lincoln Plaza Cinema in New York on Sept. 8 and at the Royal, Town Center and Playhouse 7 in Los Angeles on Sept. 15.
Credits
Director: Alexander Janko
Writing Credits: Joan Anderson (book) and Alexander Janko (screenplay)
Cast: Karen Allen, Celia Imrie, S. Epatha Merkerson, Michael Cristofer, Yannick Bisson and Monique Gabriela Curnen
Production Staff: Cressey Belden, Jane Fortune, Laura Goodenow, Bob Hesse, Albert Janko, Alexander Janko, Dale Armin Johnson, Bill Latka, Laurie Leinonen, Frank Mead, Benjamin T. Richard, Maureen Richards, Daryl Roth, Paul Savoie, Terry Schnuck, Laura Baudo Sillerman, Jeanette Smith, Overton Smith, Paul Violich, Robin Wilkins
Music: Alexander Janko
Cinematography: Bryan Papierski
Editing: Noriko Sakamoto
Casting: Patricia McCorkle
Release Date: Sept. 8, 2017
Website and trailer: http://www.yearbythesea.com/
Where can I see this film? http://www.yearbythesea.com/theatres/
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