Drowning Dry

Drowning Dry offers something akin to a cinematic concussion as it begins warping the experience of time.

Although it won’t be to all tastes, audiences open to a different sort of world cinema that repays careful attention should find it a stimulating and imaginative work.

“Drowning Dry” is an absorbing and intensely conceived story that acutely dramatizes the difficulty of overcoming a sudden loss.

Time slips back and forth in a way that constantly pulls the viewer out of their comfort zone, although never at the expense of the story.

It’s okay to give yourself to the film’s odd rhythm because that sense of confusion you feel is purposeful. These are fallible people dealing with internal doubts while striving to stay afloat.

The structure will jar with many viewers. And that’s probably for the better, since tragedy too jars those who it pesters.

“Drowning Dry” (2024) is what “Final Destination” would be if it was a meditative drama without the jump scare gimmicks or cheap thrills. Director and writer Laurynas Bareisa is not suffering from a sophomore slump.

The film boasts four excellent performance by Gelmine Glemzaite, Paulius Markevicius, Agne Kaktaite and Giedrius Kiela.

There is so much talent on display, both in front of and behind the camera, that it is still a fantastic watch.

Despite not being presented in chronological order, the film makes sense on an emotional level, and that’s all it needs for its story to work.