...so when they're taken away, gradually erased, relationships are regressed and decayed, we become a stranger to ourselves, how should those around us behave? A deep and thoughtful piece on premature loss and disconnection encapsulated through two beautiful performances.
73 Reviews
An emotionally engaging story about love and loss
dmansel23 January 2022
In a world that's been rocked with an unexplainable disease that leaves its victims with deteriorating memory loss, Little Fish is a thinly veiled look at the ravages of both Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The film focuses on couple Emma and Jude as Jude is stricken with this degenerative disease. The timing of this movie is not lost on viewers; as we continue to battle COVID-19, there's thematic parallels of a disease that attacks the mind rather than the body. As the world becomes increasingly desperate for a cure, we see how the disease affects first the couple's friends and eventually the couple themselves. In stark contrast from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, another sci-fi film that deals with couples and the loss of memories, the power of memory is seen in a positive light, highlighting the strong bond between Emma and June and their journey of their relationship.
Olivia Cooke is fast becoming one of my favorite actresses to watch. After turning in solid performances in both Sound of Metal and Pixie, she continues her hot streak here. As the events of Little Fish are seen through Emma's eyes, Cooke is our way into this world as we watch her struggle with the inevitability of her husband's mental demise. Anger, fear, and frustration all play key parts, intertwined with the excitement of starting a new relationship thanks to the film's editing. Jack O'Connell also turns in a convincing role as Jude's slow and steady descent into forgetfulness is intercut with his charm and likeability during the flashbacks. Unfortunately he's not as captivating as Cooke, who deals with the emotional burden of handling the decline. Still, O'Connell gives us enough to root for Jude as he fights to remember the details of his relationship with Emma.
Chad Hartigan's direction of Little Fish is right down the middle; there's nothing ostentation nor is there anything that's cringeworthy. The magic of the film lies in its editing, telling two simultaneous stories of the rise and fall of Emma and Jude as Emma narrates her thoughts to the audience. The intercutting between the two stories flows naturally and is used cleverly to obfuscate details, set up future uncertainty, and hide reveals. Mattson Tomlin, who wrote last year's Project Power and is an uncredited writer for Matt Reeves' The Batman, proves to be the weakest link in this project, as the story takes the safe route in dipping its toe in the vast pool that is exploring grief and mental decline. What starts as a promising concept falls a bit short in terms of its overall execution.
Overall, Little Fish is an emotionally engaging story about love and loss, even though it shies away from grief or the processing of grief. There's heavier elements that could've been mined from the concept that might've lead to a more weighty, fuller project, but as is the story is serviceable. Regardless, the characters and the performances of Cooke and O'Connell elevate this slightly from what could've been a pedestrian attempt to something a bit more substantial. The overt parallels to dementia are clear, but the story chooses to focus more on Emma's hope rather than Jude's decline. With a clever beginning and end that leaves the audience gut punched, Little Fish is worth a watch for the performances and chemistry between Cooke and O'Connell as they battle Jude's affliction in their own separate ways. Little Fish hits theaters Friday, February 5th.
Olivia Cooke is fast becoming one of my favorite actresses to watch. After turning in solid performances in both Sound of Metal and Pixie, she continues her hot streak here. As the events of Little Fish are seen through Emma's eyes, Cooke is our way into this world as we watch her struggle with the inevitability of her husband's mental demise. Anger, fear, and frustration all play key parts, intertwined with the excitement of starting a new relationship thanks to the film's editing. Jack O'Connell also turns in a convincing role as Jude's slow and steady descent into forgetfulness is intercut with his charm and likeability during the flashbacks. Unfortunately he's not as captivating as Cooke, who deals with the emotional burden of handling the decline. Still, O'Connell gives us enough to root for Jude as he fights to remember the details of his relationship with Emma.
Chad Hartigan's direction of Little Fish is right down the middle; there's nothing ostentation nor is there anything that's cringeworthy. The magic of the film lies in its editing, telling two simultaneous stories of the rise and fall of Emma and Jude as Emma narrates her thoughts to the audience. The intercutting between the two stories flows naturally and is used cleverly to obfuscate details, set up future uncertainty, and hide reveals. Mattson Tomlin, who wrote last year's Project Power and is an uncredited writer for Matt Reeves' The Batman, proves to be the weakest link in this project, as the story takes the safe route in dipping its toe in the vast pool that is exploring grief and mental decline. What starts as a promising concept falls a bit short in terms of its overall execution.
Overall, Little Fish is an emotionally engaging story about love and loss, even though it shies away from grief or the processing of grief. There's heavier elements that could've been mined from the concept that might've lead to a more weighty, fuller project, but as is the story is serviceable. Regardless, the characters and the performances of Cooke and O'Connell elevate this slightly from what could've been a pedestrian attempt to something a bit more substantial. The overt parallels to dementia are clear, but the story chooses to focus more on Emma's hope rather than Jude's decline. With a clever beginning and end that leaves the audience gut punched, Little Fish is worth a watch for the performances and chemistry between Cooke and O'Connell as they battle Jude's affliction in their own separate ways. Little Fish hits theaters Friday, February 5th.
Get back in there, tear?
Polnaszek517 November 2020
It's a very depressing pastime but also a very relaxing one? What a gorgeous production from top to bottom with truly exceptional photography and sound design that homes in on all your senses. I'm surprised that Chad Hartigan was never on my radar until now.
O'Connel and Cooke are really the heart and soul of the whole thing. Giving truly grounded performances that is going to make you feel something. Don't care who all y'all are, you cannot look me in the eyes after watching it and tell me you didn't feel anything.
Magnificent original score as well, one track actually brought tears from my eyeballs.
O'Connel and Cooke are really the heart and soul of the whole thing. Giving truly grounded performances that is going to make you feel something. Don't care who all y'all are, you cannot look me in the eyes after watching it and tell me you didn't feel anything.
Magnificent original score as well, one track actually brought tears from my eyeballs.
Worth watching
Gordon-1125 April 2021
First time in several years that I've given a 7.
Boristhemoggy12 February 2021
This movie is astounding. A simple love story, a tragic one as he catches a virus which makes him slowly forget everything.
She tries to make him remember.
I truly, totally believe in their love.
The acting was sublime, I've rarely seen anything like it. The chemistry doesn't have to be sizzling hot because this is not about sexual passion, it's about true deep down heart felt love.
The dialogue is flawless, the production is amazing, the photography excellent.
This is truly art, and cinema, at it's very best.
A Hipster's Love Crisis in an Anthropocenic World!
babyjaguar12 February 2021
This is a good reworking of Japanese American writer, Aja Gabel's 2011 short story. It's almost creepy, in that its subject matter only timely reflecting this present pandemic!
The film flows as a slowburner, a love story dealing with a degenerative illness affecting people's memory. Olivia Cooke is great as "Emma" as she deals with people she loves, fallen to the pandemic.
It also questions, isolation and the film's empathy is brought forth with science and the possible "cure". Using a fictional bay area landscape, it's palette of Grey's, blues, etc. are personafied through the film's cinematography.
This film is also reminiscent somewhat of George Romero's 1973 "The Crazies" (although I doubt that this film was being referenced by this film's production nor Aja Gabel's story). It worth a look, it's somber, almost bittersweet.
The film flows as a slowburner, a love story dealing with a degenerative illness affecting people's memory. Olivia Cooke is great as "Emma" as she deals with people she loves, fallen to the pandemic.
It also questions, isolation and the film's empathy is brought forth with science and the possible "cure". Using a fictional bay area landscape, it's palette of Grey's, blues, etc. are personafied through the film's cinematography.
This film is also reminiscent somewhat of George Romero's 1973 "The Crazies" (although I doubt that this film was being referenced by this film's production nor Aja Gabel's story). It worth a look, it's somber, almost bittersweet.
Secret Masterpiece
margarida-4431111 February 2021
I wonder if the people who rated this movie actually watched until the end. I doubt it. Not because it only becomes good at the end, no. But because of how brilliant the end is.
This is one of he best romances I've watched. The cinematography is beautiful as well as the music. The main actors are incredible.
The moments, scenes... everything really connects in such a beautiful way.
Not only I found it one of the 2020 best movies, it definitely earns a place on my top movies of all time.
Highly recommend it
Eerie pandemic love story.
cruise0123 June 2021
3 out of 5 stars.
Little Fish is a fair romantic science fiction film about a couple who are trying to hold it together during a pandemic with a virus that is causing memory loss.
Great cast ensemble with Olivia Cooke and Jack O Connell. The script is interesting with a couple meeting and falling for each other. And a pandemic that is causing people to have memory loss. They take pictures and write notes so they wont forget.
It does have a eerie direction with a love story. Sadly, the film does struggle with a slow pace and dull moments.
Little Fish is a fair romantic science fiction film about a couple who are trying to hold it together during a pandemic with a virus that is causing memory loss.
Great cast ensemble with Olivia Cooke and Jack O Connell. The script is interesting with a couple meeting and falling for each other. And a pandemic that is causing people to have memory loss. They take pictures and write notes so they wont forget.
It does have a eerie direction with a love story. Sadly, the film does struggle with a slow pace and dull moments.
I was so sad the day I met ya
Movi3DO9 January 2022
I was so sad the day I met ya... I can't remember why.
What if COVID doesn't kill you, but either slowly or instantly wiped your memory away?
Ahh, a beautiful tragedy, a tragic modern Romeo and Juliet.
Probably one of the saddest movies this year, Little Fish told a couple trying to hold on to each other with feelings in a world where memories are getting eaten away. Logically, as a way to test memories, you ask another person about a memory or fact that both of you shared. The movie was a slow and painful descent to the inevitable. It's depressing to see such breathtaking and beautiful memories that the couple shared being crushed into nothingness by the harsh reality.
As I said, I loved the scenes where the couple talked about how they got together. The little fish scene was definitely the best. It's creative and unique to the couple. However, the most beautiful part was also the most cruel part. Also, the ending just made all the depression before worse.
Overall, a beautiful juxtaposition of joy and sadness. 9/10.
What if COVID doesn't kill you, but either slowly or instantly wiped your memory away?
Ahh, a beautiful tragedy, a tragic modern Romeo and Juliet.
Probably one of the saddest movies this year, Little Fish told a couple trying to hold on to each other with feelings in a world where memories are getting eaten away. Logically, as a way to test memories, you ask another person about a memory or fact that both of you shared. The movie was a slow and painful descent to the inevitable. It's depressing to see such breathtaking and beautiful memories that the couple shared being crushed into nothingness by the harsh reality.
As I said, I loved the scenes where the couple talked about how they got together. The little fish scene was definitely the best. It's creative and unique to the couple. However, the most beautiful part was also the most cruel part. Also, the ending just made all the depression before worse.
Overall, a beautiful juxtaposition of joy and sadness. 9/10.
on topic romance
ferguson-65 February 2021
Greetings again from the darkness. In another time, it would be expected to label director Chad Hartigan's film as a science fiction romance. However, we aren't in another time - no matter how much we might wish we were. The story revolves around a global pandemic that is working its way ... unseen ... through society. Drug companies are frantically testing possible cures, while medical personnel are treating those afflicted as best they can. Sound a bit too familiar? Lest you judge too harshly as a quick cash-in, you should know the film was wrapped prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, so call it serendipity or pure luck, but the timing is impeccable.
It's called "NIA", an abbreviation for Neuro-Inflammatory Affliction. Those who get the virus lose their memories. Some experience a slow drop in their ability to recall, while it hits others like a quick slap. Newlyweds Emma (Olivia Cooke, SOUND OF METAL, THOROUGHBREDS) and Jude (Jack O'Connell, UNBROKEN, 2014) are our conduits to this world of fear, anxiety, and love. We experience their courtship through flashbacks, as the film is bookended by an Oceanside scene which makes no sense to us the first time, but certainly does at the end.
Mattson Tomlin adapted the screenplay from Aja Gabel's short story, and is also credited with the screenplay for the upcoming Matt Reeves movie THE BATMAN, starring Robert Pattinson. It's very well written and the two leads perform admirably. Ms. Cooke, in her native British accent, continues to shine in both her performances and choice of projects. Montages and flashbacks are used so that we have a feel for this relationship. Emma and Jude are the kind of couple who have an engagement fish, instead of a ring. They are both 'low-talkers', so you'll need to be tuned in, but the concern over the virus looms heavy over every character ... even memory tattoos are big business.
Other excellent movies dealing with memory include ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (2004) and MEMENTO (2000), though Mr. Hartigan's movies is more similar in tone to the former than the latter. This is a romance with lots of hugging and tight holds. Emma asks, "How do you build a future when you keep having to rebuild the past?" We know that memories evolve and fade and change, but this NIA virus has us questioning if love is simply a bond held together by shared memories - and if the memories are gone, is the love gone as well? The movie is quite a downer to watch, and will very probably tug hard on your heartstrings; yet it's very well made and all too topical. Please excuse me if I refrain from using the science fiction label. In Theaters and On Demand on February 5, 2021
It's called "NIA", an abbreviation for Neuro-Inflammatory Affliction. Those who get the virus lose their memories. Some experience a slow drop in their ability to recall, while it hits others like a quick slap. Newlyweds Emma (Olivia Cooke, SOUND OF METAL, THOROUGHBREDS) and Jude (Jack O'Connell, UNBROKEN, 2014) are our conduits to this world of fear, anxiety, and love. We experience their courtship through flashbacks, as the film is bookended by an Oceanside scene which makes no sense to us the first time, but certainly does at the end.
Mattson Tomlin adapted the screenplay from Aja Gabel's short story, and is also credited with the screenplay for the upcoming Matt Reeves movie THE BATMAN, starring Robert Pattinson. It's very well written and the two leads perform admirably. Ms. Cooke, in her native British accent, continues to shine in both her performances and choice of projects. Montages and flashbacks are used so that we have a feel for this relationship. Emma and Jude are the kind of couple who have an engagement fish, instead of a ring. They are both 'low-talkers', so you'll need to be tuned in, but the concern over the virus looms heavy over every character ... even memory tattoos are big business.
Other excellent movies dealing with memory include ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (2004) and MEMENTO (2000), though Mr. Hartigan's movies is more similar in tone to the former than the latter. This is a romance with lots of hugging and tight holds. Emma asks, "How do you build a future when you keep having to rebuild the past?" We know that memories evolve and fade and change, but this NIA virus has us questioning if love is simply a bond held together by shared memories - and if the memories are gone, is the love gone as well? The movie is quite a downer to watch, and will very probably tug hard on your heartstrings; yet it's very well made and all too topical. Please excuse me if I refrain from using the science fiction label. In Theaters and On Demand on February 5, 2021
Not for me
wendyficklin6 February 2021
Jack O'Connell is one of my favorite actors, so I was really looking forward to watching this. I can't recommend it. There are times in my life where I have enjoyed sad movies, but this one felt like pure hell the entire time I was watching it. I really wanted to turn it off ten minutes in, but I was watching with a friend, and she wanted to stick it out. The awfulness of it is still affecting me. I never write reviews, but if I can save at least one person's soul from experiencing this, I have to try.
An emotional masterpiece!!!
coolsudheera10 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This non linear romantic sci fi drama is about a gradual memory losing pandemic called Neuro Inflammatory Affliction (NIA). The story revolves around a newly wedded couple Emma, a caring veterinary doctor and Jude, a previously musician turned into a photographer. While the close loved ones are losing their precious memories how will this lovely couple manage to cope with the impending doom? The wonderful title resembles many meanings including the cute proposal took place standing near a fish tank in a pet shop having little fish with no clues around as in dementia. Hence the little fish tattoos on their ankles. Sounds romantic huh! Yeah the chemistry and the performance is ground breaking and natural! Cinematography is stunning! Movie is thought provoking, emotion pouring, highly inspirational. DO NOT MISS THIS masterpiece unless you are really sensitive (since this is little depressing subject matter)! Movie emphasizes that the very real world around us is actually a creation of our own mind with memories! What are we without memories? This movie surely will echo in our hearts for years to come!
Stick with it
brenswee28 November 2021
I almost turned this off after 20 or so minutes because it was quite slow. I'm glad I stuck with it. Quite a sad movie but has important things to say.
Olivia Cooke is amazing here. She does so much with subtle facial expressions, especially toward the very end.
Olivia Cooke is amazing here. She does so much with subtle facial expressions, especially toward the very end.
A LONG POST ROCK MUSIC VIDEO
ricky_dry_county15 February 2021
1) This had immense potential but was hilariously botched. About 80% of the film is drenched in loud ambient post rock noise which is at odds with eeehats actually happening on-screen. Adding soaring violins don't help when there is a remotely dysfunctional couple barely chatting over it.
2) Horrendously lazy editing with no sense of pacing at all. The scenes could be jumbled and it'll still make no difference.
3) This millenial downer probably needed an established older actor/actress to bring in a sense of maturity.
4) If somehow we fixed the above issues, it could have made a mark. The leads are capable (the guy was good in Jungleland & the girl is a cross between Jessica Alba and Rose Byrne) but even then the mumbling, hypometabolic narration is a drag.
a little fish...
ops-525359 February 2021
That may weigh more than you can take . its the dementia story on the silver screen again, not common dementia or alzheimers of the typical kind, but something that shreds away 1:2500000 of our population per year, called NIA, that hits extremely young adults by outgrowing the brains nerve cells with ''structurall''/brainmass cells that becomes plaque that inhibits nerve signal and suffocates the cells through Neuroinflammatory affliction that gives all the typical dementia symptomatology. ive seen into some niches of , and its heartbreaking and can be torture to the victim and the surroundings. so carpe diem my friend and enjoy it until oblivion, because its a film about people of oblivion, living oblivious lives .
its a well acted humanrelation drama, that jumps a lot to the past, and drives on reminiscence and emotions. its an extremely good film product, and the music choosed are tormentously well done. its not an original consept or storyline, but well plotted even though timelines are not so well informed.
but a good film, educational too, a bit trumpish with advanced home medication on proceedures not to be done at the kitchen bench, but also a gem that can give some release to people in the same circumstances. so do as the grumpy old man whos becomming increasingly distree and forgetfull, grab the day before it strangulates you... its a recommend
its a well acted humanrelation drama, that jumps a lot to the past, and drives on reminiscence and emotions. its an extremely good film product, and the music choosed are tormentously well done. its not an original consept or storyline, but well plotted even though timelines are not so well informed.
but a good film, educational too, a bit trumpish with advanced home medication on proceedures not to be done at the kitchen bench, but also a gem that can give some release to people in the same circumstances. so do as the grumpy old man whos becomming increasingly distree and forgetfull, grab the day before it strangulates you... its a recommend
The unconvincing gimmicky ending didn't make the long dragged out 101 mins any less painful.
Top_Dawg_Critic12 August 2021
This film was originally written as a short story by Aja Gabel, and writer Mattson Tomlin - who's main experience is writing short films, extended this one to a long dragged out 101 minutes of frustrating back and forth convoluted timelines and lackluster jumbled narrative.
It's should've stayed as a short film. There was just too much mushy filler for the little substance this story had to offer. It needed much more guts and finesse, because by the end, you're left unsatisfied and depressed from the story - and the time you invested watching it. You can literally fast-forward many of the scenes, and not miss a thing.
The performances were great, especially the adorable Olivia Cooke, but I struggled understanding some of her narrating with her deep English accent. The narrating wasn't necessary, because you'll still get lost in some of the timelines. Better directing by Chad Hartigan "may" have saved this film from its many flaws and annoyances, and/or editing out at least 30 mins.
It's a generous 6/10 from me, mainly for the performances and the decent score and cinematography.
It's should've stayed as a short film. There was just too much mushy filler for the little substance this story had to offer. It needed much more guts and finesse, because by the end, you're left unsatisfied and depressed from the story - and the time you invested watching it. You can literally fast-forward many of the scenes, and not miss a thing.
The performances were great, especially the adorable Olivia Cooke, but I struggled understanding some of her narrating with her deep English accent. The narrating wasn't necessary, because you'll still get lost in some of the timelines. Better directing by Chad Hartigan "may" have saved this film from its many flaws and annoyances, and/or editing out at least 30 mins.
It's a generous 6/10 from me, mainly for the performances and the decent score and cinematography.
Sweet
bryangary6521 October 2021
Worth a watch
kathrynfs8 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Beautifully made and performed and painfully sad - the drama of the effects of the virus in this story is good but the pace felt slow. This is not Contagion though, and it's the sadness of watching the young couple desperately trying to hold on to one another when memory starts to fail...do we remember our feelings when everything else is gone? Two wonderful, touching performances made it worthwhile for me.
Beautiful film
westpointmajorette9 April 2022
This is a movie that lingers and sits on your mind well after the credits roll. It's not the kind of movie to put on for background noise, you need to pay attention and let it hit you in all your feels like it's meant to. Such a beautiful and moving expression of the couple's unconditional love and what they were willing to do and sacrifice for each other in the midst of the tragedy. This movie definitely became a favorite for me.
Surprisingly good.
noahgibbobaker19 February 2021
What I got from 'little fish' was a pleasant surprise. It's fairly interesting, quite charming and well shot for the most part, there isn't anything exceptional about it but almost everything works well enough.
'little fish' is about a fictional disease, NIA, that causes memory loss. This illness is a pandemic, clearly inspired by Covid-19, it seems as if it's affecting more people than not. We follow Emma and Jude, a couple who are experiencing complications due to NIA. Strangely and annoyingly the most unbelievable element of this film was the relationship between our leads, they didn't have good chemistry and it wasn't helped by the poor unrealistic dialogue and average performances. Both Olivia Cooke and Jack O'Connell had their moments though.
The presentation of many scenes is sloppy, it makes many of the ideas feel silly or unimportant when it's clear that not much thought went into how each sequence will be communicated. The climax of the will wouldn't carry any weight if it weren't for the emotionally manipulative music.
The score is emotionally manipulative. A large portion of the emotions aren't earned. Having basic somber strings playing over someone crying or a montage of happy memories isn't an honest depiction of a relationship tragically being forgotten about and it doesn't make me care for the events, it makes me unfocused on them and angry that you couldn't write a realistic, truthful relationship and had to use music in this way just to give us some sort of response.
At its core 'little fish' is saying that life is short and you never know what you might encounter along the way, so make the most of what little you have. I'm not the biggest fan of this idea and it's been done to death in film. It's explored quite interestingly so I at least appreciate that.
Despite my criticisms I still think this is worth checking out and you never know you might like it a lot, a few issues I have with this likely won't spoil your enjoyment as much as they did for me.
'little fish' is about a fictional disease, NIA, that causes memory loss. This illness is a pandemic, clearly inspired by Covid-19, it seems as if it's affecting more people than not. We follow Emma and Jude, a couple who are experiencing complications due to NIA. Strangely and annoyingly the most unbelievable element of this film was the relationship between our leads, they didn't have good chemistry and it wasn't helped by the poor unrealistic dialogue and average performances. Both Olivia Cooke and Jack O'Connell had their moments though.
The presentation of many scenes is sloppy, it makes many of the ideas feel silly or unimportant when it's clear that not much thought went into how each sequence will be communicated. The climax of the will wouldn't carry any weight if it weren't for the emotionally manipulative music.
The score is emotionally manipulative. A large portion of the emotions aren't earned. Having basic somber strings playing over someone crying or a montage of happy memories isn't an honest depiction of a relationship tragically being forgotten about and it doesn't make me care for the events, it makes me unfocused on them and angry that you couldn't write a realistic, truthful relationship and had to use music in this way just to give us some sort of response.
At its core 'little fish' is saying that life is short and you never know what you might encounter along the way, so make the most of what little you have. I'm not the biggest fan of this idea and it's been done to death in film. It's explored quite interestingly so I at least appreciate that.
Despite my criticisms I still think this is worth checking out and you never know you might like it a lot, a few issues I have with this likely won't spoil your enjoyment as much as they did for me.
Seems Totally Fake.
silverpinkcity19 May 2021
I thought this movie had great potential. What an interesting idea....a pandemic illness where people slowly lose their memories. But...what happened? It was dull, jumbled, choppy, totally UNrealistic, and frankly....just boring.
This movie tries way too hard to pull at your heartstrings. I think that's the whole point of it. Total manipulation, but it doesn't work. Because you're not feeling it...not feeling ANYTHING (except depressing tediousness).
Where are the rest of civilization in this movie? What's going on in THE WORLD? Why is it just this insular couple and (once in a while) their two boring friends? Where is EVERYONE ELSE??? Where is the TV??? Where are the cell phones and computers? This can't be current times, can it?
How can this couple afford this giant place they live in when they barely seem to work? Is showing a dog being euthanized really necessary to the (so-called) plot?
And what about the virus? Not much is said about it, at all. How is it transmitted? Why aren't people wearing masks if it's air-borne (we all know about that now, don't we)? Why is there no talk of a vaccination being worked on? Where's all the "info"? Why are people still driving if they're losing their memories? Wouldn't there be tons of accidents?
I don't feel this movie was written by an experienced writer. So many things are left unsaid. It doesn't ring true. And why is there ZERO humor, at all? Why is it total downer drama every single second? That's not exactly how real life is, no matter what. Also, I did not feel a drop of chemistry between the two stars. Not one.
The ending? Lazy! I guess it's obvious I do NOT recommend this movie. I feel like I just wasted my time!
This movie tries way too hard to pull at your heartstrings. I think that's the whole point of it. Total manipulation, but it doesn't work. Because you're not feeling it...not feeling ANYTHING (except depressing tediousness).
Where are the rest of civilization in this movie? What's going on in THE WORLD? Why is it just this insular couple and (once in a while) their two boring friends? Where is EVERYONE ELSE??? Where is the TV??? Where are the cell phones and computers? This can't be current times, can it?
How can this couple afford this giant place they live in when they barely seem to work? Is showing a dog being euthanized really necessary to the (so-called) plot?
And what about the virus? Not much is said about it, at all. How is it transmitted? Why aren't people wearing masks if it's air-borne (we all know about that now, don't we)? Why is there no talk of a vaccination being worked on? Where's all the "info"? Why are people still driving if they're losing their memories? Wouldn't there be tons of accidents?
I don't feel this movie was written by an experienced writer. So many things are left unsaid. It doesn't ring true. And why is there ZERO humor, at all? Why is it total downer drama every single second? That's not exactly how real life is, no matter what. Also, I did not feel a drop of chemistry between the two stars. Not one.
The ending? Lazy! I guess it's obvious I do NOT recommend this movie. I feel like I just wasted my time!
Uniquely beautiful
arielb883 April 2022
I thought that this was a stunning little indie. Totally on par with the times as well which made it more touching. It's been on my list for awhile, and I read somewhere that this was accidental? As in, the film was made before the pandemic.
It is a little predictable, I will admit. I think the two leads had good chemistry that made this a hit for me, personally.
It is a little predictable, I will admit. I think the two leads had good chemistry that made this a hit for me, personally.
Surprisingly impressed...
jgrl239 May 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Drama/love story with excellent acting. It's hard to find movies these days that are "good" or ones that make you feel something, but this movie is and does. I read the very few negative "reviews" and highly disagree. Overall I like films that keep me enthralled and this one held my attention throughout its entirety. Watch it unless you don't enjoy love stories and are sensitive to sad movies. Definitely recommend!
Worthy subject matter with good acting, but the premise never seems to be fully realised
jimbo-53-1865117 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
In the midst of a pandemic which is causing large swathes of the population to lose their memory, a young couple called Emma and Jude are trying their best to make the most of a bad situation and keep their relationship going (this involves continual prompts, reminders, notes etc). To make matters worse for Emma, her mother (back in England) is showing the same symptoms and the couple also have 2 friends (another couple) going through the same thing.. Will Emma and Jude's relationship be able to survive against the odds?
It's quite a scary coincidence that a film of this nature was released in the same year that a real global pandemic had just about begun; although apparently this film was completed in 2019 before the COVID pandemic was a thing.
Whilst Emma and Jude's struggle through this terrible virus is quite touching to watch and is well-acted by both Cooke and O'Connell it felt to me that nearly all of its eggs were placed in this basket and other aspects seem to have been mostly ignored.
We're told that this memory loss virus known as N. I. A will eventually kill anyone who contracts it and that top scientists are working on a cure. An experimental cure has been developed and people are invited to take it (though as with all experimental drugs/cures there's no guarantees). Emma volunteers Jude, but he doesn't end up being eligible due to recent drug use. This aspect of the narrative was interesting and could have given the film more of a sense of urgency, but it's not used well; Jude's refused treatment and Emma tries to treat Jude himself, but this doesn't work so she gives up and that's the end of it. I would have liked this film more if it would have explored the virus more, how it infects people, how long people live for once they have it, how did it start? It raises a lot of interesting points, but never really addresses or answers them leaving the film to be a frustrating watch at times.
The thread involving Emma's mother suffering from N. I. A only seemed to have been included to give the film a sense of scale (the fact that N. I. A has spread to another continent means the virus can be considered as a pandemic). It seems to have been clumsily thrown into the story without really going anywhere.
The main reason why Little Fish is somewhat watchable is down to the wonderful performances from Olivia Cooke and Jack O'Connell whom both convince as wife and husband trying to exist alongside a cruel disease. To be honest though, aside from this, with little else running in the background, Little Fish at times is a little too depressing and, given our own real life pandemic it maybe hits a little too close to home.
It's quite a scary coincidence that a film of this nature was released in the same year that a real global pandemic had just about begun; although apparently this film was completed in 2019 before the COVID pandemic was a thing.
Whilst Emma and Jude's struggle through this terrible virus is quite touching to watch and is well-acted by both Cooke and O'Connell it felt to me that nearly all of its eggs were placed in this basket and other aspects seem to have been mostly ignored.
We're told that this memory loss virus known as N. I. A will eventually kill anyone who contracts it and that top scientists are working on a cure. An experimental cure has been developed and people are invited to take it (though as with all experimental drugs/cures there's no guarantees). Emma volunteers Jude, but he doesn't end up being eligible due to recent drug use. This aspect of the narrative was interesting and could have given the film more of a sense of urgency, but it's not used well; Jude's refused treatment and Emma tries to treat Jude himself, but this doesn't work so she gives up and that's the end of it. I would have liked this film more if it would have explored the virus more, how it infects people, how long people live for once they have it, how did it start? It raises a lot of interesting points, but never really addresses or answers them leaving the film to be a frustrating watch at times.
The thread involving Emma's mother suffering from N. I. A only seemed to have been included to give the film a sense of scale (the fact that N. I. A has spread to another continent means the virus can be considered as a pandemic). It seems to have been clumsily thrown into the story without really going anywhere.
The main reason why Little Fish is somewhat watchable is down to the wonderful performances from Olivia Cooke and Jack O'Connell whom both convince as wife and husband trying to exist alongside a cruel disease. To be honest though, aside from this, with little else running in the background, Little Fish at times is a little too depressing and, given our own real life pandemic it maybe hits a little too close to home.
Unintentional Covid metaphor
movieman-22710 January 2021
Although it was in production well before the current global pandemic hit, Chad Hartigan's love story plays quite effectively as a Covid metaphor.
Olivia Cooke and Jack O'Connell are both terrific, even though only Cooke is allowed to speak w/ her native (Brit) accent, lol.
Moving and even borderline profound at times, it's a film worth seeking out wherever you can find it.
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