The Almond and the Seahorse: A Brain Injury Drama with a Touch of Glam
Rebel Wilson shines in a more subdued role as Sarah, an archaeologist whose husband, Joe, suffers a traumatic brain injury. The film explores the complexities of living with a hidden disability, but ultimately falls short of its potential.
Rebel Wilson brings a touch of glamour to the film
The movie begins with a flash-forward, showing Sarah waking up in a hotel room after a night with another woman, Toni. This sets the tone for the rest of the film, which explores the complexities of Sarah’s relationship with her husband and her own identity.
The film’s portrayal of brain injury is well-meaning but contrived, with some scenes feeling over-the-top. In one scene, Joe walks up to a child in the street and hands him a doughnut, sparking a commotion that quickly escalates. While these moments are meant to illustrate the challenges of living with a brain injury, they come across as forced and unrealistic.
“Sarah still loves her husband, but he is not the man she married; his identity, and the things that make him him, have changed.”
Rebel Wilson’s performance is a highlight of the film, as she brings a sense of vulnerability and emotion to her character. Her scenes with Celyn Jones, who plays her husband Joe, are particularly poignant, capturing the pain and frustration of living with a loved one who is no longer the same.
Celyn Jones and Rebel Wilson in a poignant scene
The film’s supporting cast, including Meera Syal as Dr. Falmer, adds depth to the story, but ultimately, the movie feels disjointed, with two separate storylines that don’t quite mesh. The contrast between Wilson’s glamorous performance and the more subdued tone of the rest of the film is jarring, making it difficult to fully invest in the story.
 Meera Syal as Dr. Falmer, running a support group for brain injury survivors
In the end, The Almond and the Seahorse feels like a missed opportunity, a film that tackles an important topic but fails to fully explore its complexities.
