Blow the Man Down Movie Review
When thinking about Blow the Man Down, the first adjective that comes to mind is quirky. The opening sequence features a group of fishermen singing an acapella rendition of “Blow the Man Down.” The group makes several appearances throughout the film, singing with hymn-like reverence. The film is set in Easter Cove, a fishing village off the coast of Maine. The Connolly sisters, Priscilla (Sophie Lowe) and Mary Beth (Morgan Saylor), have just buried their mother who left them with a large share of debts and a floundering fish shop. Priscilla attempts to soldier on in the tiny fishing village while Mary Beth dreams of escaping and leaving the town behind her.
A fateful meeting between a stranger and Mary Beth at a bar one night, springs the story into action. A mishap with the stranger ensnares the sisters into the criminal world of Easter Cove. Lowe and Saylor are excellent together and drive the plot forward. Although it is easy to be torn about the believability of the two sisters executing their plan, I was able to rectify this with the quirky tone that is set by co-directors Bridget Savage-Cole and Danielle Krudy. They are able to present a modern noir that emulates the best parts of Fargo, while remaining a unique style of its own.
Violence is approached in a tongue in cheek manner as the sisters commit rather heinous acts in a light-hearted fashion. If you can embrace the absurd and go with it, Blow the Man Down is rather enjoyable. Possibly the best part of the movie is the gang of women elders who are well acquainted with the towns underbelly. Margo Martindale, June Squibb, Marceline Hugot, and Annette O’Toole give outstanding performances as friends once united in their quest to provide opportunities and protection to the women of Easter Cove, but now divided over what that entails.
In addition to the standout acting performances the cinematography lends itself well to the coastal region. Cinematographer Todd Banhazl captures the ocean in its rough and tumble state and highlights the realities of a fishing village by capturing fishermen at work beautifully. The cold and damp permeates through each shot, further highlighting the hopelessness of the town that Mary Beth speaks of often.
It’s a shame that Blow the Man Down did not get a theatrical release, but perhaps it’s better that way. Now you can stumble upon this gem from the comfort of your couch, and I highly recommend that you do. It’s a surprisingly fun movie with a noir-like style that is executed to perfection.
Film or Movie: Movie
You’ll like this movie if:
1. You have Amazon Prime and need something to watch
2. You like Fargo
3. You enjoy noirs
