Red Knot (2014)

Directed by: Scott Cohen
Country: USA / Argentina

Movie Review: Scott Cohen’s debut feature “Red Knot” doesn’t disappoint, capturing stunning images and extracting emotional heft from the drama of a freshly married couple who faces the possibility of separation during their very unusual honeymoon. Olivia Thirlby and Vincent Kartheiser give shape to the newlyweds, Chloe and Peter Harrison, two New Yorkers who decide to spend their honeymoon in a research vessel en route from Argentina to Antarctica. Everything pointed to a serene expedition, instructive at the most, if Peter had paid more attention to his forlorn wife instead of converting their first trip together into work. As a writer and enthusiast of nature, he takes the opportunity to write an article about the explorers who travel with them, which includes the respected marine biologist Roger Payne (himself) and his wife, Lisa. He often seems to forget that Chloe is present, and is more interested in listening to conversations about whales and penguins rather than provide an unforgettable, romantic trip to the one he loves. A silent tension installs itself, ready to explode at any moment, which eventually happens when she finds out through Lisa that Peter is already committed for another trip next year. Before, a conversation about having children had already set a conspicuous discomfort in their relationship, but now Chloe feels really hurt and deceived, without knowing how to fit there anymore. She can only request her own space. Peter has difficulty to grant her that, especially after seeing her engaging in a very friendly conversation with Captain Anderson, a lone wolf who chose the sea to forget a failed marriage. Narrated in a form of a diary, “Red Knot” sometimes feels like a documentary, punctuated with occasional dreamlike tones, and driven by metaphors and the sadness of uncertainty. Scott Cohen, who has a background in still photography, managed to untie this first knot with an unanticipated efficiency.