Finding closure for a deep emotional scar, TƎMPEST is a unique drama that uses a parallel universe as a means of healing and forgiveness. The seemingly outlandish idea that an old teapot holds the portal to another dimension, where the pains of reality are dismantled, becomes Miranda Wilkinson’s (Erica Piccininni) lifeline from suicide, an empty life and marriage, and the process of coming to terms with great loss.
Miranda lives with her husband, Fred (Josh Bywater), on a remote island, where she creates collectible works of art from the shells and marine life that wash up around her, while Fred tends to the island and its wildlife. It is serene, remote, yet wildly beautiful. However, a dark, unspoken drama looms over Miranda and Fred. They move and live with little attachment.
When Miranda attempts to take her life, she discovers a mechanism that sends her to another dimension, where she is desired by her husband and functions without pause in all her relationships, including one with her son. Only she cannot live in this realm. With the help of her sister, Ariel (Allison Pistorius), Miranda navigates her way out, but not without a few perks along the way.
Miranda (Erica Piccininni) examines the teapot that unlocks another dimension in TƎMPEST.
“Miranda lives…on a remote island, where she creates collectible works of art from the shells and marine life that wash up around her…”
Miranda is a respected artist, yet lonely and grappling with great loss. Her husband, the island caretaker, tries to save a pair of animals and is rebuilding a lookout tower. He says little and moves in silence. His job caring for the island is consuming. Although Miranda consults her therapist, Caleb (David Weisenberg), he does not seem believable in his treatment approach or character.
In the other realm, Miranda is fulfilled, and Fred is a loving, doting husband. But when the two universes collide, the tangled story is hard to believe, yet it somehow unwinds, and everyone must acknowledge what has been happening: an affair and acceptance of place and death. Order must be restored from this wrinkle in time.
TƎMPEST allows isolation and tragedy to find resolution, even if it requires what is beyond human ability—forgiveness is the ultimate goal. It is well-acted, with exceptional cinematography. The bold attempt to create two storylines within one is accomplished, especially through the acting prowess of Erica Piccininni and her counterparts, who deliver effective dual performances.
There is a great deal of sophistication and attention to detail that TƎMPEST encompasses. Director Gregory J. Green’s vision and nod to Shakespeare, well executed by writer Gary Williams, are very well thought out in this contemporary version of an age-old story. Although the soundtrack fits the story’s grand theme and is well done, it is overwhelming and distracts from the isolated beauty and the quiet yet targeted acting. A bit slow to warm up, aided by split screens with a sepia-toned version next to reality, TƎMPEST eventually delivers on its well-developed characters and appealing dialogue, especially when the son, Christopher (Jacob Buster), is revealed.
For screening information, visit the TƎMPEST official website.
"…a unique drama that uses a parallel universe as a means of healing and forgiveness."
