The Song of Sway Lake is a drama film released in 2018. The movie revolves around the story of a young record collector named Ollie Sway (played by Rory Culkin) who returns to his family’s lake house to retrieve an invaluable jazz recording that his late father left behind. Ollie is accompanied by his friend, Nikolai (played by Robert Sheehan), who is a Russian punk and kind of troublemaker.
Upon their arrival at the lake house, Ollie and Nikolai find out that Ollie’s estranged grandmother, Charlie (played by Mary Beth Peil), has arrived for a surprise visit. Charlie is very old-fashioned and does not approve of Ollie’s lifestyle, which adds to the tension already present within the family.
Furthermore, Ollie meets a girl from across the lake named Isadora (played by Isabelle McNally), who becomes a source of distraction for him. Ollie and Isadora bond over their love for music, and Isadora even offers to help him find the rare jazz recording that he is looking for.
The movie shifts between the present and flashbacks to Ollie’s childhood, where we see the tense relationship between him and his father. Through these flashbacks, we learn about the tragedy that has affected the Sway family for generations, leading to the suffering that resounds through their family history.
The Song of Sway Lake is a beautifully shot movie, with stunning cinematography capturing the serene landscapes of the lake. The movie explores themes of family, loss, and the power of music to heal and connect people across generations.