Cargo

CARGO is a sea shanty of a family drama from writer/director Gilles Coulier, in which three brothers fight not only to keep their failing fishing business alive but to mend their own familial relationships. Rain crazed windows, the thrum of engines and the creaking of the ship’s bows set the scene and saturate the soundtrack to this raw and relatable tale of doing what you can for the ones you love.

Following an incident during a fishing trip, Jean Broucke (Sam Louwyck) must make the hard decision to sell his family’s fishing vessel. The estranged and turbulent relationship he has with his brother William (Sebastien Dewaele) means Jean must attempt reconciliation in order to decide the businesses’ fate.

Set in maritime Ostend, CARGO highlights the difficulties surrounding the fisheries and the apprehension many of the workers hold in the present social climate. CARGO addresses immigration, fatherhood, family, coming out and the implications of a changing fishing industry all in 91 minutes while still

allowing every aspect of the narrative even consideration and never compromising the plot.

In his debut feature, Belgian director Coulier successfully brings together land and sea in a poignant family drama. Heartfelt and gritty, CARGO will open your eyes to the fear, passion and obstacles faced by a family in an ebbing industry where blood ties may not be enough.

- April McIntyre