Turn of the Tide: A salty, old-school look at village feuds

Is it worth the watch?

If you like movies that smell like damp wool and seawater, you'll probably enjoy Turn of the Tide. It is not exactly a high-octane thriller, so if you need explosions or constant movement, stay away. This is for people who like watching characters struggle with pride and changing times. If you think the squabbling in The Cohens and the Kellys in Paris was a bit much, maybe give this one a skip, too.

The whole thing centers on a tiny Yorkshire village where everyone seems to have a grudge. The Fosdycks are the old guard, and the Lunns are the newcomers with a fancy boat. Watching them stare each other down across the docks feels heavy, almost like they're waiting for the weather to turn just so they have an excuse to start yelling.

Stiff winds and stiffer pride

There is this moment where the modern boat arrives, and the camera just lingers on the faces of the locals. It is not acting; they look genuinely annoyed, like someone parked a neon sign in their quiet living room. The production doesn't try to make it look pretty. It’s gritty in a way that feels honest for 1935.

The dialogue is thick with regional accents, which is a nice touch. It grounds the film in a place that feels real, even if the plot beats are a bit predictable. You know they are going to join forces eventually, but getting there takes a lot of stubborn silence and intense staring at the horizon. 🌊

Sometimes, the pacing just stops dead. There are these long sequences where nothing happens except someone mending a net or looking miserable. Honestly? I kind of liked it. It feels like the movie is taking a breath before another fight breaks out.

• The boats actually look like they’ve seen a few storms.
• The constant bickering over fishing rights gets exhausting, but I guess that’s the point.
• Some of the reactions from the background extras are hilarious if you watch them closely.

I wouldn't call this a masterpiece or anything. It’s just a solid, slightly grumpy film about people who are too proud to admit they need each other. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want a cup of tea and a fireplace. ☕

Also, don't go looking for Gold-level production values here. It’s a modest production, and it shows. But that makes it feel more like a document of a time and place rather than a polished studio product.