The Sea Is All I Know

Directed and written by Jordan Bayne, The Sea Is All I Know is an extraordinary story of love in the face of death. It’s an honest portrait of a family coming to terms with their relationship to death. When estranged couple, Sara (Melissa Leo) and Sonny (Peter Gerety), come to the aid of their dying daughter (Kelly Hutchinson), the experience sends them spiraling into spiritual crisis and brutal heartbreak. In the end, an act of selfless love renews their lives and transcends their loss of faith…and even death itself.

I recently had the opportunity to see the film, which immediately zooms in on the lives of the characters during one of the most emotionally harrowing scenarios life could present. It shows how the love between a man and a woman can be united by their love for their family. It is intimate, gripping and heart-wrenching, with raw and powerful performances from Leo, Gerety and Hutchinson.

We got to hear from director and writer, Jordan Bayne, and Oscar award-winning actress, Melissa Leo, after the screening (Leo had actually been sitting behind me, sniffling away with the rest of us during the film).  We learned that Bayne had written the movie with Leo in mind for the role of Sara. Kelly Hutchinson, who bares a striking resemblance to Leo, was recommended for the role by Peter Gerety. Most amazing, is that the beautiful sea shanty which had a way of tying the movie together, was written by Bayne.

Jordan Bayne and Melissa Leo at Q&A session

This was an beautiful film, which I recommend you see if you have the opportunity, but I do suggest you bring some tissues with you!

Film Trailer

xoxo, Olisa