Directed by: Tyler Atkins
Starring: Luke Hemsworth, Isabel Lucas, Leanna Walsman, Ramsus King
Set in the late 1980s, Ocean Boy is told through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy, Rockit. As he grapples to understand why his Mum’s not coming home, Rockit embarks on a magical holiday with his father, Bosch, only to discover they’re actually running from the law.
The slice of life feel offers room to really dive into the characters flaws and hearts. Love is layered and these characters define expectations of what good parenting looks like in many emotional ways, yet the tragedy of life choices continue to get in the way of creating a solid foundation. Yet, the distance creates a childhood that's emerged in nature, and the value and education that alone provides. The long shots are gorgeous and amplify the story in many ways. The perfect setting and at the same time such a different tone from what the characters were experiencing which was a fun contrast.
Rockit finds a soulmate and then teenage love with Ash Ash, but it’s the ocean that gives him the security and calm he yearns from his parents. Ultimately Rockit is a boy held by nature, a young man who wins our hearts and respect as his story unfolds.
Filmed at iconic Byron Bay, against the canvas of Australia’s famous east coast surf beaches and rain forests, Ocean Boy is a raw and unapologetic exploration of unconscious parenting and the deeper themes of love and relationships.
