Washed Up

Morwenna (Anna Ivankovic) is going through a difficult transition in her life in Washed Up. An aspiring artist struggling to make a living, she’s left reeling from a recent break-up while forced to put her grandfather’s house up for sale. Everything changes when Inga (Carys Glynne) arrives in the small Cornish village, and the pair immediately strike up a romance. Inga is mysterious, eccentric, and never stays in the same place for long. She’s also, it turns out, a Selkie, a seal that can transform into a human. Director and co-writer Isabel Moncloa Daly explores their messy and complicated relationship with bundles of quirky charm to tell a bittersweet story about the importance of letting go.

Sparks fly whenever Ivankovic and Glynne are onscreen. The chemistry between them is palpable from the moment the characters first meet. Morwenna (who also goes by Scummy because of a bad Cornish pun) is quiet and reserved, unsure of herself and her talents, while Inga is unapologetically herself and unafraid to say exactly what’s on her mind. While this contrast in personalities leads to exchanges that are as quick-witted as they are endearing, the actors are likewise capable of delivering the necessary emotional beats when required. The result is a genuinely moving finale that serves as a satisfying resolution to both characters’ arcs.

Matching the high energy of the leads is the feature’s indie aesthetic. Coloured by a rich and vibrant soundtrack and loaded with amusing visual gags that embrace the production’s low budget, it’s impossible to escape this film’s infectious personality. In an especially clever move, the aspect ratio acts as a visual representation of the pair’s relationship, physically boxing the characters into an increasingly confined space. However, a handful of flat performances and the occasional dip in sound quality can make some scenes feel awkward, momentarily breaking the spell.

Blending Celtic mythology and Cornish identity with an offbeat romcom setup, Washed Up is a wholly unique outing from Isabel Daly that’s beautifully carried by Ivankovic and Glynne. Although its small production leaves some noticeable blemishes, its thoughtful and heartfelt tale about people trying to move on in life makes up for any minor shortcomings.