By the Sea

"By The Sea" is a quiet film with light charms and an enduring theme to pull it all together. The performances range from measured to a little over the top, but an appealing love story can forgive a bit of exuberance.

Lena is a young Cuban-American chef who leaves her New York life behind after her imagined future falls like a ruined soufflé'. She lands a job at a New England inn and starts to navigate a new future. She never imagines that the game of baseball and a new love would combine to challenge her long held assumptions about her destiny. This film deals with a classic theme, but the presentation is inventive and manages to meld an eclectic cast in ways you wouldn't expect. If you want a formula love story, this is not your film. The setting is a pure delight and provides the texture that memorable stories require. Elena Aaron lends a demure and sexy quality to a character who begins to know and accept herself as the film progresses. She holds the screen, but remains understated in general. Watch for the small moments, and you'll find that they add up to a creative, fun and worthwhile experience. You'll simply enjoy this film.