Little Fish - Film Review

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Little Fish is a 2020 drama film directed by Chad Hartigan and starring Olivia Cooke and Jack O'Connell. The movie is set in a not-too-distant future where a virus called NIA (Neuroinflammatory Affliction) is rampant, causing memory loss and cognitive decline in its victims. The film follows the story of a young couple, Emma (Olivia Cooke) and Jude (Jack O'Connell), who are struggling to maintain their relationship and their sense of identity as they grapple with the effects of the virus.

The film's title, Little Fish, refers to the fact that memories are like little fish that slip through our fingers and can be easily forgotten. This metaphor underscores the central theme of the movie, which is the fragility of memory and the importance of human connections in the face of a devastating illness.

One of the most striking aspects of Little Fish is its use of non-linear storytelling. The film jumps back and forth in time, showing us glimpses of Emma and Jude's relationship before and after the onset of the virus. This structure adds a sense of urgency and poignancy to the story, as we see the couple struggling to hold onto their memories and their love for each other.

The film is also notable for its depiction of a future world that is both recognizable and yet disturbingly different from our own. The virus has caused widespread panic and social upheaval, with people forced to wear face masks and undergo regular temperature checks. The economy has been disrupted, with many businesses closing down and people losing their jobs. The film's portrayal of this dystopian society is subtle and nuanced, with the focus firmly on the emotional struggles of the characters rather than on flashy special effects or action set pieces.



At the heart of Little Fish is the relationship between Emma and Jude. The couple are deeply in love, but the virus has caused Emma to experience memory loss, making it difficult for her to remember their past together. This puts a strain on their relationship, as Jude tries to hold onto the memories for both of them and Emma struggles to maintain her sense of identity in the face of her illness.

Olivia Cooke delivers a strong performance as Emma, conveying both the confusion and fear of her character as she grapples with her memory loss. Jack O'Connell is also excellent as Jude, playing the role with a quiet intensity and a deep sense of compassion.

The film's supporting cast is also noteworthy, with Soko giving a standout performance as Sam, Emma's best friend and a fellow victim of the virus. Raul Castillo also delivers a solid turn as Jude's friend and business partner, who is struggling to keep their bar afloat in the face of economic hardship.

Little Fish is a powerful and affecting film that explores important themes such as memory, love, and the human condition. The movie is a meditation on what it means to be alive and to be connected to the people we love, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The film is also notable for its strong visual style, with director Chad Hartigan using a muted colour palette and a steady, understated camera to create a sense of intimacy and realism. The cinematography is beautifully composed, with the camera often lingering on close-ups of the characters' faces, capturing their emotions and their struggles in subtle yet powerful ways.

Overall, Little Fish is a must-see for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinema. The film's exploration of memory loss and the human connections that bind us together is both timely and timeless, and its understated yet powerful storytelling makes it a standout in the realm of independent cinema.

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