Nashville Film Festival 56: "Boundary Waters" Review

"Boundary Waters" Graphic, courtesy of Nashville Film Festival

Filled with childhood innocence and the pressures of adulthood, “Boundary Waters” offers a compelling coming-of-age story that asks its audience to grow alongside its young protagonist. 

Directed by Tessa Blake, the 98-minute film follows Michael, played by Etienne Kellici, as he struggles to protect his family while hardship and public scrutiny disrupt his fragile sense of youthful bliss.

At just 16, Kellici delivers a performance far beyond his years. His portrayal of a boy reckoning with his mother’s victimization is layered with vulnerability, anger and resilience.

Balancing the carefree freedom of childhood with the devastating reality of human cruelty, he emerges as the emotional powerhouse of the film and the linchpin of its success.

The production’s technical craft underscores that performance. Cinematographer Carlo Rinaldi captures the stark beauty of the landscape in raw nature filled shots, then mirrors the film’s tension with shaky close-ups that highlight the claustrophobia of community conflict.

The score, guided by music supervisor Maddi Frick and composer Valentin Hadjadj, weaves seamlessly into the narrative. Their work heightens the atmosphere without overpowering it, deepening the film’s exploration of loss and resilience.

Boundary Waters is as poignant as it is accessible. With its reflections on boyhood, growth and independence, it resonates as both a personal journey and a universal story. It stands out as one of the must-see films at this year’s Nashville Film Festival.

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This article was written by Zach Watkins.