This debut by writer-director Julio Quintana serves up an earnest parable of redemption that is unfortunately hobbled by heavy-handed religious symbolism. Its impact is also diluted by the performance of Lucas Quintana (the filmmaker's brother) in the central role of Leo, a young man in a coastal village that 10 years earlier suffered unimaginable tragedy when a tidal wave engulfed the local school and killed 46 students. Since the disaster, all of the women have remained in mourning and refused to bear children, despite the advice of their priest (Martin Sheen) that they should try to move on. Leo, who narrates much of the film in a bland emotionless voice, docilely cares for his mentally disturbed mother while ruminating on her preference for his brother, who died in the long-ago catastrophe. But after Leo and a friend drown in an accident and the former miraculously comes back to life three hours later, Leo becomes a Christ-like figure for the townspeople, a sign from God that they should embrace life again too—especially after he builds a ramshackle boat from the debris of the destroyed schoolhouse. A subplot also finds Leo rekindling a romance with a girl he always loved from afar. The Vessel is notable for some striking visuals and a committed performance from Sheen, but its obvious sincerity can't quite overcome the script's rickety construction and Quintana's drab turn as Leo. Still, this should be considered a strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)
The Vessel
Outsider Pictures, 86 min., PG-13, DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray: $29.99, Jan. 24 Volume 32, Issue 2
The Vessel
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