GFF 2010: Against the Current

Don’t be fooled into thinking the title of Against the Current has any meaning beyond the central swimming story: this is stock indie filmmaking that goes against nothing. Peter Callahan’s film follows Paul (Joseph Fiennes), an aimless financial writer still grieving the loss of his pregnant girlfriend. Deciding to realise his dream of swimming the length of the Hudson, he drags along failed actor Jeff (Justin Kirk) and token totty Liz (Elizabeth Reaser) to monitor his progress, while engaging in soul-bearing conversations and learning of life lessons. The miniscule production values can be forgiven, but what cannot are the undercooked (make that, raw) script, slack direction and endless clichés (jokes about the disabled and a mincing gay stereotype don’t help either). It’s not a total waste: the cast do the best with what they have, the music cues are well chosen, and the unsentimental conclusion proves Callahan at least has the courage of his (fairly unadventurous) convictions. Just don’t expect to be swept away.