By Rhea Mursalin
Tamzen Lim’s In The Shallows is a thoughtful coming-of-age drama that uses the world of competitive swimming as both setting and metaphor. The film centers on Jack, a high school athlete grappling with a haunting figure from his past while trying to meet the expectations of those around him.
What makes the film stand out is its storytelling. Rather than relying on heavy exposition, Lim allows visual symbolism—especially the recurring presence of water—to carry much of the emotional weight. This approach brings Jack’s internal struggle to the surface in a way that feels natural and immersive.
The performances are grounded and capture the quiet intensity of balancing external pressure with unresolved trauma, adding emotional depth without overstating the narrative.
Overall, In The Shallows is a compelling and highly recommended coming-of-age film that explores how the past continues to shape the present.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Rhea Mursalin is a recent graduate from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she earned a B.A. in Communications.
