Between Waves
By Monica Eva Foster
Watch Between Waves here. Watch a Q&A with Director Virginia Abramovich and Monica Eva Foster here.
Virginia Abramovich’s Between Waves deftly marries romance with science fiction in stunning blue tones. From the first scene, the film sweeps the viewer into Jamie’s (Fiona Graham) journey, balancing potential madness and parallel universes in pursuit of her disappeared lover, quantum physicist, Isaac (Luke Robinson). Written by Abramovich and Katherine Andrews and shot in Toronto, Ontario, and the Portuguese Azores, Between Waves delights visually, emotionally, and mentally.
After the presumed death of Isaac, professional photographer, Jamie sees glimpses of him around her. Upon chasing and catching up with him during one such sighting, he asks her to take the trip they’d planned before his disappearance. “I’ll intercept you there. It’s all mapped out,” he states cryptically. Before vanishing, he pleads with her to do this so they may meet again in a parallel dimension.
Armed with the map and notebook Isaac left for her, Jamie embarks on a journey to the island of São Miguel. As she visits destinations marked by Isaac on the map, apparitions of alternate versions of herself and Isaac drive her further into the pursuit of answers. All the while, viewers are wondering if these alternate versions actually exist or are merely hallucinations of a woman unraveling while attempting to wean herself from benzos.
Graham’s soulful embodiment of Jamie pulls viewers immediately into the story. Gently played, there is no guesswork necessary. Her character’s thoughts are beautifully displayed in Graham’s eyes. The cool confidence of Robinson as Isaac eases viewers into an understanding of complex quantum physics theory without over explaining. Due to concise writing, the film neither limits the audience nor over complicates the issue. Additionally, the palpable chemistry between the lead characters keeps the audience engaged and unable to look away.
While watching, it’s difficult not to draw parallels to Christopher Nolan’s 2010 Inception. How does one move betwixt parallel universes and know which is their original? The question is answered by Isaac’s neatly put together and stone-cold business partner, Renata (Stacey Bernstein), “…you could leave a marker…a distinguishing mark like an ‘x.’” Much like Cobb’s spinning top in Inception, Jamie begins to rely on her “x” creations to tether herself. These symbols also lead viewers all the way to the closing shot.
With sweeping landscapes, stunning aerial views, and wonderfully staged ground shots and interiors, the cinematography creates a visually beautiful film wrapped in shades of blue with highlights of sea green. Abramovich and Andrews have created a satisfying tale. Stories centered around the quest for truth and love are as old as time. Between Waves shines a gorgeous light on a contemporary exploration of such a pursuit.
Watch Between Waves here. Watch a Q&A with Director Virginia Abramovich and Monica Eva Foster here.