CW/TW: Drug use, addiction, violence

Gino Evans’ debut feature Treading Water is a brutal but authentic story about addiction and compulsions. Set against a harsh but beautiful backdrop of Manchester, the film follows recovering Heroin addict Danny (Joe Gill) upon his release from prison and entering into social housing to get his life back in order. However, Danny is also struggling with his mental health – in particular OCD that rules his day to day life. Whilst out trying to score, he bumps into an old school friend Laura (Becky Bowe) who is now a sex worker. This film is both hilarious and heartbreaking, a true testament to Evans’ exceptional script and directorial stylings. 

The stand out of this film is how real everything feels. The characters are well rounded, the situations aren’t superfluous, the conversations are nuanced yet normal, the locations aren’t shiny. You can tell whilst watching this that Evans hasn’t set out to make something feel less than authentic which results in an honest and refreshing film which truly seems to bring forth the best work out of those involved. The performances by Gill and Bowe are understated in a way that doesn’t feel performative, it really is like watching two estranged friends reunite and then have a quick shag down an alleyway. As Danny and Laura’s relationship develops, so does what we know about them, Gill and Bowe expertly open up these characters to the audience, showing their inner workings, their desires, their pain. It doesn’t really matter how they ended up here, it’s the fact that they are both here together that means something.

Although dealing with dark subjects, Treading Water is not always serious – showcasing silly banter and stupid actions that add levity throughout the film. It is also some of the improvised scenes that land particularly well and it is in these moments you can see the cast are actually having fun and it’s contagious. You really start rooting for these people, hoping they can find what it is that will help them move forward in their lives with safety and security. We really want Danny to get better and avoid the temptations that keep crossing his path. Evans portrays the availability of drink and drugs – it appears to be everywhere Danny turns and it’s not simply because he’s trying to avoid it, it just really is everywhere. The representation of party culture is spot on, a scene in which Danny and friends are in a local pub they are freely taking drugs around their table in front of a sign that explicitly says drugs are illegal and they will be thrown out if found in possession of any. The thing is, no one cares. Even in his temporary accommodation that has no drinking or drugs in the house rule we see him have a massive bender with one of his housemates on his birthday. It feels like Danny can’t escape it.

I have also never seen a truer representation of intrusive thoughts on screen. Danny frequently plays out the most extreme scenarios whilst he is still experiencing them. These aren’t thought of in hindsight, they appear right there in the moment without any warning. This is a testament to Evans’ authentic script and direction – he doesn’t shy away from these graphic moments, playing out Danny’s inner monologue to actually show the audience his pain. Not for a moment do we think Danny would ever act on these thoughts, which makes the villain of the story Warren (Darren Connolly) seem even more monstrous. 

This is a tale about addiction and compulsion. The need to do something, the desire to do something, and the consequences of these. However it’s not just Danny who exhibits these behaviours, it’s pretty much everyone in the film – proving this is a universal problem and some deal with them better than others. Warren, for example, can’t resist the temptation to take a boat load of drugs, get very drunk, and then lose his temper resulting in a horrible and traumatic scene towards the end of the film. Yet, Treading Water isn’t all doom and gloom. In fact it actually gives us hope. Hope that the right people will find you just when you might need them. Hope that things can get better, we can get better. Hope that your mental health problems don’t have to define you. There is hope in getting help. Maybe it’s not so grim up North after all?
As a debut feature, it’s pretty flawless. I for one am very excited to see a true Northern voice coming through into the industry and I truly can’t wait to see what Evans brings to the table next. Treading Water is set for release some time in 2025 so make sure you keep an eye out for more announcements because this truly is a special film that will break you and piece you back together again.