Short Film Review: “Just Like Water”

Dir: Manos Triantafillakis
Greece • Drama • 13 Mins

Just Like Water is a life-affirming short film that follows the life and trying times of the director’s father, Spyros, from his impoverished childhood through to adulthood, experiencing fatherhood and into old age.

Guided through this life journey with beautiful cinematography, an inviting score and the warmth of the voice of the narrator, the film is essentially dialogue-free. Just Like Water takes its time to build up, slowly layering on all of its important elements and themes, giving each one a chance to shine. First with its luscious visuals and seaside vistas, then the gorgeous sound design featuring waves, gulls and a light breeze, followed by the gentle narration, and finally the delightful score. Then, with everything playing, intersecting and interacting beautifully together, director Manos Triantafillakis begins to create a hypnotic and poetic experience. 

Just Like Water doesn’t take the nostalgic look at Spyros’s life with the rose-tinted glasses that it may first appear though. It juxtaposes the rich imagery with references in the narration to hardships, such as surviving the second world war, hunger, poverty and child labour, but this is often balanced with the reminder that Spyros went through life with a great sense of humour, an appetite for adventure and embraced whatever came his way. 

While this biographical short follows the story of a man’s life, most of the visuals involve Spyros’ childhood self and his girl companion who guides him through his journey. There’s a sense that, while reflecting, despite the turbulent childhood he faced, it was in many ways the best of times and he wouldn’t have had it any other way. 

Writer/director Manos Triantafillakis does a wonderful job bringing the characters and setting to life while weaving cinematographer Marinos Papadantonakis’ breathtaking visuals with enchanting audio elements. 

Just Like Water is a poetic, life-affirming and profound short film about embracing life and looking back only with fondness and never regret. 

9/10

Just Like Water was nominated for Best Drama and Best Score at our 2022 film festival.

Reviewed by Philip Pugh