On the Sea

"On the Sea" is a 2025 British drama film written and directed by Helen Walsh, exploring themes of identity, desire, and belonging in a remote fishing community in North Wales. The film follows Jack (Barry Ward), a mussel harvester, as he navigates personal and familial dynamics, including his complicated relationship with his son Tom (Henry Lawfull) and the arrival of a new deckhand, Daniel (Lorne MacFadyen). The story is characterized by its restrained storytelling, strong performances, and a strong sense of place. Shot on a budget of under £1 million, the film premiered at the 78th Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2025 and was released in UK cinemas by Matchbox Films and Verve Pictures in 2026.