If you love a soul, more than fame and gold

And that soul feels the same about you.

It’s a natural fact, there’s no turning back.

And here’s some advise to you.

I was recently given the opportunity to see the film Not Waving But Drowning before its release. It’s a small film you probably haven’t heard of, but it packs a serious punch with great performances, amazing cinematography and an incredible soundtrack. The film is about two best friends, separated for the summer. One stays in Florida to work in a retirement home, while the other moves to New York City. 

The director’s short The Most Girl Part of You preludes the film, and although unrelated to Not Waving But Drowning, it really sets the right kind of tone. I was immediately reminded of The Virgin Suicides. What impresses me the most is that while the short has similar sensibilities as the feature, there’s a distinctiveness to it as well. 

Now, onto my favorite aspects of Not Waving But Drowning. The acting was fantastic, especially from the two leads. I’m not sure if it was the script, or improvisation, but the scenes with the two of them together were very authentic. Once they separate, each girl finds connection in different characters. In New York, Adele (Vanessa Ray)  befriends a troubled neighbor (Isabelle McNally, who plays her to drugged out white girl perfection) and her coworker, Adam (Adam Driver, who plays a similar character to his in Girls, but with a softer touch). Meanwhile, Sara (Megan Guinan) gets close to an older woman at her job (Lynn Cohen). There are no weak players here, and every character feels true.

What really lifts this film from your typical “coming of age in New York City/a small town” story is the atmosphere created by the visuals and the killer soundtrack. I’m amazed at the personal attention they paid to both Florida and New York City without getting into the typical shots of the ocean or the city landmarks. The soundtrack is occasionally assaultive in the best possible way. They use music to immerse you in the lives of these characters, and it works.