Love has a dialect all of its’ own – and so does Cornwall.
However, for one seemingly lost native soul in this locale, it could be a case of ‘you never know what you’ve got until it’s scone’ as we learn in director Isabel Daly‘s new LGBTQ+ drama WASHED UP.
Aspiring artist Scummy (Anna Ivankovic) is struggling with the lost of her grandfather and the impending possible sale of the family house with her brother. She loves the beach and the water and lives a very simple life, trying to get the best out of her artistic endeavours.
One day, she encounters Inga (Carys Glynne, who also co-writes the screenplay with Daly and Issy Brett), who seemingly roams life in increments of a week and seems to have an affinity for the water with her two mates.
After a one-night stand, Scummy discovers that Inga is no ordinary woman, but in fact a ‘Selkie’ (a Celtic myth and legend) who transforms from a seal to a woman and back again courtesy of the fur coat. Before long, their growing love faces key tests, given the unusual bond…..
Years ago, Tom Hanks‘ Allen Bauer fell for Daryl Hannah‘s Madison in Ron Howard‘s 1984 hit SPLASH, a fun tale of a man and his mermaid ‘Marian’ and WASHED UP does tread a similar path, showing the awkwardness that opposites feel in love.
There is a tenderness about the film, coupled with a modest sense of spiritualism which enhances this age-old love story with a civil twist. Good performances and use of Cornish locations help to heighten a competent indie work that should find form on the festival circuit.
WASHED UP plays on April 19th as part of the London Independent Film Festival, which runs from 10th – 19th April 2026.
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