The Annihilation of Fish

The movie’s a rom-com at heart, but there is no other one like it.

A tale of two troubled souls who find each other, the movie has become an even stronger tribute to the people (not to mention the art) we so easily push aside.

A modest movie modestly told, “The Annihilation of Fish” sneaks up on you; it’s as stealthy as Fish’s demon and can pack just as powerful a wallop.

It’s also obvious this film is the essence of what makes [director] Charles Burnett’s hold on the American mythos peerless and exceptional.

Charming as the leads are, my favorite performance in the film comes from Kidder.

“The Annihilation of Fish” is still a sweet, utopian and revolutionary film for the way that it treats older people who may suffer from mental health issues. The story does not rest on making sly fun of them and does not insult its audience

The chemistry between Jones and Redgrave is strong; their characters’ relationship develops even when they speak past each other.

All of these elements are nicely orchestrated by Burnett, who finds just the right balance to keep things from veering from the charming to the merely grotesque.

It’s a most humane and beautiful story.

It's funny and so decidedly weird and deeply romantic.