Headington Shark Inspires New Film About Grief and Art

The Headington Shark, a fiberglass sculpture that appeared in England in 1986, was initially an artist's protest against nuclear war and bombing. This striking piece has now inspired a new film, "Learning to Breathe Under Water," which premiered recently. The movie transposes the shark concept to explore the absurdity of death.

The film centers on a grieving artist who places a metal shark on his roof after his wife's passing. This action profoundly impacts his young son, Leo, whose literal worldview and stimming behaviors suggest neurodivergence. A Bulgarian au pair joins their household to facilitate emotional healing.

While the film contains amusing lines and whimsical animation depicting Leo's inner world, its narrative momentum falters in the latter half. Direction and script appear to be at odds, leading to mawkishness and manufactured conflict. Despite these issues, Rory Kinnear delivers a powerful performance as the mourning father.

Production design adeptly reflects the artist's emotional state through the chaotic yet colorful home setting. The film ultimately aims for closure, though its execution is uneven, with Kinnear's performance standing out as a compelling portrayal of barely suppressed pain.