Treading Water

Mica (Douglas Smith) has been smelling like fish since birth. Doctors do nothing but prescribe their sponsored soaps and pills. Nothing works. His father abandons him. His mother raises him alone. He finds sanctuary in chlorinated pools. One day, he meets Laura (Zoë Kravitz) at the local pool. Catherine (Carrie-Anne Moss) is his longtime psychiatrist.

Original title is The Boy Who Smells Like Fish. That is more direct and so much more memorable. I really love this concept although there is a lot of meat left on the bone. First, Laura should have an inability to smell. They are halfway there. They should go all the way for the poetry. Second, Mica should know Laura's name after seeing the neckless. I thought that's what he meant. That situation is not thought out all the way through. Beside those issues, the story needs more drama. Sure, things are happening, but they need to be dramatic. I still love the idea and wouldn't mind someone working out the story more.

This movie could of been so meaningful but instead came across cheesy,it left you feeling not satisfied with the story once the movie concluded.

The movie felt hallow & empty,honestly you didn't actually care for anyone.

When the mom dies how she did it came across almost comedic to cartoon like,maybe that was this movie intent but if so it failed carrying that message throughout.

Also seemed at various times in the movie it was forgotten,he smelled fishy or the point again of the movie plot just gets overlooked.

Acting to casting was average,cinematography ok.

Not worth seeing,again or even recommending.

This is a wonderfully quirky romantic comedy, but far from the generic fair that tumbles out of Hollywood on a regular basis. The story of a boy who smells like fish and overcoming the adversities of life. I saw this movie three times on consecutive days, and enjoyed it every time. Not your typically Hollywood fair, rather unique and charming with excellent performances by Douglas Smith and Zoe Kravits. So, wonderfully endearing. I say the following in many of my reviews; if you are into standard Hollywood Blockbuster formula movies, then perhaps this is not the movie for you. However, if you love independent film, and you like new ideas, then you will most certainly like this movie. I personally loved it, which is why I watched three times in a row.

I'm really glad I watched this beautiful little independent movie about acceptance, being accepted but also accepting yourself and your life circumstances no matter what they are.

If you ever felt lonely, unloved, different, weird or ashamed this movie is for you.

It's also somewhat romantic, funny and and very well played on top of that. Carrie Ann Moss excels as the therapist.

The movie is not fast and furious though, it's slow and compassionate. So don't expect action or drama, just accurate character depiction and development. Kudos for the attention to detail from start to finish.

This movie is like an unfulfilled promise - the premise is interesting, but it does not do much with the subject. While it comes from the main character's social awkwardness, it is way too slow in some points and gets repetitive after some time. The best character is the mom, her sunny disposition is just adorable. However, she does not appear after the first 25 minutes. It is mostly a pointless movie: a boy meets girl story, where nothing interesting or funny happens on the couple's way of finding each other. It's to watch in the background while you are doing something else but I wouldn't actually recommend seeing it.