Ascent

About This Movie

Ascent (2021) presents a unique blend of adventure and animation through the eyes of Will, a young merman caught in the monotony of his undersea life. The film captures that feeling of being stuck yet yearning for something more—Will's job is mundane, but his gentle pursuit of Amelia gives it a spark. The animation style is vibrant, lending an ethereal quality to the underwater world, and the practical effects on certain sequences really stand out. Pacing can be a bit uneven at times, but it allows moments of introspection that deepen the characters. The themes of ambition and love are woven subtly throughout, making it an engaging watch for those who appreciate character-driven narratives.

Unique underwater animation styleCharacter-driven narrativeThemes of ambition and love