Alejandro Alonso Estrella’s short Abyssal opens with a very long shot of a man walking up a spiral staircase. We never see his face, and the only sound comes from the echoed footfalls of his long ascent. But as he climbs, it becomes impossible not to wonder what his purpose is. As the world of Abyssal expands, we come to learn we are in a scrapyard for decommissioned ships on the coast of Cuba, and that inside these ships rests the lives and stories of both those who served on them and the men charged with their dismantling. Then, quite suddenly, the scene gives way to a haunting and poignant examination of life, death, and superstition as the scrapyard workers wander the abandoned hallways of these ghost ships, confessing their dreams and fears, all while Estrella’s cameras capture them in brilliant shadow and stunning color. Abyssal is a stunning film to look at, and a fascinating one to ponder.
Abyssal was screened as part of our coverage of the 25th Annual Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.
Originally published by ASHEVILLE MOVIES.
James is a writer, record collector, wrestling nerd, and tabletop gamer living with his family in Asheville, North Carolina. He is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the North Carolina Film Critics Association, and contributes to The Daily Orca, Razorcake Magazine, Mountain Xpress, and Asheville Movies.