The Headington Shark, a fiberglass sculpture that emerged in 1986, has become an iconic symbol of protest and art's unintended consequences. This article delves into the film 'Learning to Breathe Under Water', which cleverly repurposes the shark concept to explore themes of grief and absurdity. The movie, set in Ireland, follows a bereaved artist, Peter, who builds a metal shark on his roof after his wife's death. The story is complicated by the presence of a Bulgarian au pair, Anya, and Peter's young son, Leo, who has a neurodivergent condition. The film's narrative, while initially engaging, falters in its second half, leading to a manufactured conflict and a sappy resolution. Despite this, the film showcases Rory Kinnear's exceptional performance, offering a nuanced portrayal of grief and a subtle study of comic understatement. The production design, focusing on the artist's home, is a standout feature, using color and set dressing to reflect Peter's emotional state. The film's exploration of grief and the absurdity of life's challenges makes it a thought-provoking watch, even if it doesn't quite live up to its potential.
