Little Fish, Jack O’Connell and Olivia Cooke’s sci-fi/romance about a memory loss virus that threatens to erase the history of a couple’s love and courtship is more cleverly-executed than expected.

It’s important to note that director Chad Hartigan’s Little Fish is a story that focuses more on the couple’s relationship rather than the science of the virus. Little Fish is a beautiful yet heartbreaking love story. One that for me, proved quite watchable in the most part because both leads are great performers. And the portrayal of life with memory loss is captured well. It’s just unfortunate for me that my favourite moments do not happen until close to the end.

I did believe the relationship between O’Connell and Cooke’s characters, However, I didn’t find myself as absorbed with it all; likely in part, on account of the story edit or general editing style. Additionally, the timing of the release of Little Fish may not help everyone’s enjoyment of it. Particularly since it may feel more than a little too real, pandemic-wise for some.

When forced to weigh Little Fish against other movies that spend at least 90% of the time looking closely at a central romantic relationship, I wouldn’t say that Hartigan’s film is my favourite. I’m afraid that ‘coveted title’ belongs to Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones’s Like, Crazy (2011).

Overall, I say give Little Fish a chance if you’re curious. After all, a fair number seem to enjoy it. And there truly is a clever moment or two near the end. Just be sure to pay attention.

 Happy Film Loving 

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