Tragedy and the overwhelming consequence of it are explored in deeper intention in Max Morgan‘s debut indie BREAKWATER.
The beach and ocean provide the backdrop in deepest Suffolk as troubled university student Otto (Daniel MacNamee) arrives at the abode of his girlfriend Lucy (Agnes Halladay). Lucy’s parents arrive and home truths begin to emerge about Otto’s questionable nature, dealing with both his and Lucy’s co-dependency on alcohol.
Whilst Otto and Lucy relax on the beach, they witness troubled John (Shaun Paul McGrath), an aspiring amateur angler who himself is dealing with major issues in his own family life. Lucy has back in the form of family friend Tom (Noah Radcliffe Adams) and it is he she runs back to leaving Otto in the lurch emotionally. Otto and John form a bond and in time discover that their own respective troubles are more in sync than they realize….
Subtle, well-played and well-intentioned indie drama that marks the first film in over forty years from Oxford University, whose debut film PRIVILEGED helped launch the careers of Hugh Grant and Imogen Stubbs amongst others.
Morgan, who wrote the screenplay as well, relies on underplaying the key dramatic moments which enhances the overall impact of the drama. The cast is first rate, with McNamee and McGrath providing the throughline in a drama that evolves and grows as the story unfolds.
However, a big shout out has to go to Halliday, who makes her debut in this film, is simply sensational in a very emotionally demanding role and already demonstrates a natural quality in front of the camera.
Reminiscent of Luis Mandoki‘s WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN, in terms of how alcohol informs and infiltrates the essence of a relationship, BREAKWATER is a fine example of a good indie drama.
BREAKWATER closed the October 2025 edition of London Independent Film Festival. For further information, please go to: