Review of Tideland (2005) by Ryan V — 16 Feb 2012

This divisive film follows a naive little girl (Jodelle Ferland) who moves to an abandoned house with her junkie father (Jeff Bridges). Overhwhelmed by the trauma of her everyday life, this girl retreats further and further into a fantasy world while building a relationship with a mentally disabled neighbor (Brendan Fletcher).

There were many things about Tideland that made me squirm uncomfortably and I can definitely see why so many people are flat-out repulsed by this movie. At the same time, most of my discomfort stems from similar feelings and choices I made when I was the same age as the lead character.

I think that Terry Gilliam's Tideland is an uncomfortable mirror that reflects how the cruel aspects of the real world can exploit the innocence of childhood.