Low Tide

Low Tide is the documentary-like story of a 12-year-old boy who lives in a trailer with his mother who uses drugs and alcohol. He cares for and helps his mother in a loving and matter-of-fact way, despite her total lack of attention for him.
The days pass in boredom - his mother is at her job in a nursing home or in the bar and his only friends are the animals he finds in and around the trailer. Nature gives him answers to the questions of life, but as the film progresses it becomes clear that there are major differences between human and animal society.
Roberto Minervini shot his film with non-professional actors - including the angelic Daniel Blanchard as the nameless boy. Just like the raw camera work, the natural lighting and the basic soundtrack, this contributes significantly to the credibility and intimacy of this subdued drama.