Something Fishy

Bob jr.

Written and Directed by Dilek Ince

Reviewed by Jen Bush

WATCH THE TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=OBeMTxYHJB0

For many of us, our first pet was a fish.  A fish is not a particularly interesting pet, especially because you can’t really interact with it.  For some it’s a glorified decoration.  For the main character in the film whose name is Bob, the fish, Bob jr., was a comforting companion and the last emotional connection to Bob’s deceased wife.  The film which was well written and directed by Dilek Ince, examines the impact of grief on the life of a man who even after 3 years, is not ready to move on.  Scott Rinker gives a poignant and heart wrenching portrayal of a man broken by loss.  Throughout the film, Bob routinely calls the cell phone of his deceased wife to talk about Bob jr. and other things on his mind.  He has detached from his friends and any form of social life since his wife’s death.

Bob is crippled with guilt whenever he must leave the fish alone.  He ends up taking Bob jr. with him everywhere he goes.  This includes a loud party where Bob jr. nearly meets his demise as a result of beer almost poured into the bowl.

It seems that an underlying theme in the film is the way humans perceive and treat animals.  You have Bob who is inseparable from Bob jr.  There is the owner of the tropical fish establishment played perfectly crustily by Bob Ornstein.  The shop is closed for the day.  Bob begs him to open the doors, so he can buy some food.  He tells Bob, “your fish looks healthy enough, he can wait a day to eat.”  Finally, you have the young clerk Rebecca portrayed in a sweet and quirky way by Elizabeth Brissenden.  She cares very much for the welfare of all the fish and tries to convince Bob that Bob jr. needs a bigger and more embellished environment so he can thrive and be happier.

The exquisitely composed music by Andrew Stamp and Justin Cordero had a starring role in the film beautifully underscoring the drama and emphasizing the pathos of the main character.

As the movie unfolds, there are more and more small increments of Bob being able to let go.  Rebecca is an integral component of this.  At one point in the film where Bob could have become completely unraveled and had an irrevocable breakdown, instead he chooses the path for an opportunity that could ultimately lead to healing.

The film was easy to relate to as we have all experienced loss.  The cast did a very good job of portraying their respective roles.  Good choices were made for set design and locations.  All the elements were in place for this to be a well-made and enjoyable short film.

In the end, as the frost upon a bud, slowly melts allowing a flower to bloom, Bob is slowly on his way to having the love in his heart bloom once again in this wonderfully cohesive commentary on what is sometimes the very long process of grief and healing.