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Cast: Sean Astin, Chris Mulkey, Mimi Rogers

Director: Gil Cates Jr.

Genre: Drama

Year: 2015

Rating: NR

When a plane crashes in the unpredictable waters of Lake Michigan, the pilot is pulled from the wreckage by Mitch who has been stranded on his boat. Immediately suspicious of each other, these two strangers must overcome their differences to find a way back to shore. Together, they must fight against the harsh elements if they have any hope of making it back alive.

I was looking forward to seeing this after watching the trailer. It looked like it was going to be an exciting drama/thriller but it wasn't what I expected it to be.

"The Surface" tells the story of Mitch who is extremely depressed after losing his father to a warehouse accident and seeing his mother laying in a nursing home with Alzheimer. He feels like just ending it all but everything changes one day when he is out on lake Michigan in his father's old boat. He comes across a plane crash and he finds a survivor whom he helps on board the boat but the wreckage pretty much destroyed the boat's engine which leaves the two men stranded in the middle of nowhere.

I am not going to talk about the plot anymore because this is a character-driven drama and giving away too much here would only ruin the film for those interested in checking it out. Like I already stated I thought the film was going to be more of a thriller after I watched the trailer but instead it is a human drama about two men who have many regrets. The time they have together could change their lives forever.

Not much happened, you got two guys stranded on a boat in the middle of lake Michigan with no help in sight. There is a lot of talking and not much more but the film is so well written and the dialogue is so smart and clever you are sucked right into the lives of these two men and they pour their hearts out to one another.

With a drama like this you need two actors that can deliver compelling performances and these two do just that. Chris Mulkey has gotten critical acclaim for his role as the injured pilot, Kelly but do not forget about Sean Astin who stands toe to toe with Mulkey every step of the way. This is two amazing performances and both men should be commended for it. The film also stars Mimi Rogers as Kelly's wife, Kim. Her role is limited to flashbacks but she does a great job either way as does the rest of the supporting cast.

I was probably wrong for thinking this was more a thriller than a drama but I have to admit I was a little disappointed at first but as the story progressed I became more and more engaged in it and by the time it ended I had a smile on my face and was thankful I had the chance to check it out. Available now on DVD and VOD and Digital HD. The DVD comes with Special Features that include:

Audio Commentary

Photo Gallery

Deleted Scenes

Waters of The Great Lakes(Documentary) and much more.

You can order the DVD HERE.

The film may not be perfect and some might find it to be a little too slow but it is a powerful story about forgiving yourself and moving on with your life. I highly recommend checking it out.

Released by Entertainment One

*** 1/2 Out Of *****