Nominated for Best Cinematography (Ruben Woodin Dechamps) and Best UK Feature
Q&A with Chris Young, Johnny Barrington, Ella Lily Hyland, Mark Lockyer
On the island of Lewis, Scotland, Dondo, a young surfer, refuses to accept the death of his fisherman dad, despite being missing at sea for over a year. A tale of unlikely friendship, Dondo and his classmate Sas find their path in their rural community, through waves, beliefs, and hellfire.
Waves crash on the shore of the Scottish island of Lewis. Among these waves rides Dondo, a teen surfer who lost his father the year before. At home, he embraces a sole rubber boot, the only thing left after his father Willy disappeared among the waves. In his grief, and coming to terms with loss, Dondo decides to start attending church, where the newly installed priest helps inspire faith in him. Meanwhile, a budding friendship blossoms between Dondo and Sas, a teenage girl grappling with her own faith. Together, they search for Dondo’s missing father after Dondo experiences a series of visions where “Jesus” reveals his father is still alive.
Silent Roar is a is a wildly funny and honest look at grief and loss. It’s a coming-of-age story that boasts hypnotic visuals, accompanied by an evocative soundtrack and impressive sound design. A stellar cast light up the screen, including a scene-stealing performance by Ella Lily Hyland as Sas. Louis McCartney superbly conveys the sadness and melancholy of a teenager suffering the loss of a parent, as well as the fury and rage that accompanies denial.
As much about self-discovery as it is about religious zealotry and faith, Silent Roar is a poetic and whimsical look at teenage identity.
Manuel Delgadillo
