In a town ravaged by tragedy, a prospect of moving forward and living again is a daunting one for this fragile community. Ten years ago, a tsunami wiped out an elementary school with all the children inside, creating a constant state of mourning for those left behind. Written and directed by Julio Quintana, this Malick-esque type of film creates a beautiful portrayal of life and death deeply layered in religious symbolism.
We meet Leo, who wants to escape this town and the memories it holds. Narrated in his calming voice, we are allowed inside his thoughts and feelings, as we learn about the past and heavy burden of the present and possible future. Leo’s brother is one of the young boys swept away by the tsunami resulting in his mother’s bizarre and rather catatonic state. Leo’s obligation to his mother and her care is touching, yet sad, especially as we learn about their relationship and favoritism. On the eve of Leo’s adventure to leave this town, he and a friend celebrate a little too much resulting in both of them drowning…Leo, however, miraculously rises from the dead, three hours later. The town grasps on to this “sign” and now Leo must rise to be their perceived savior. The story unfolds in striking brilliance, keying into the town’s priest and Leo’s burden.
The overt and subtle symbolism create an extraordinary visual representation of story telling. The Terrence Malick influence in the cinematography is obvious, but in many ways more refined and cohesive to tell a linear story. Superimposing narration into the film, allows us to gain such insight into the emotional state of all of the characters through Leo’s eyes.
Religion plays a large role in this story with Martin Sheen as the priest. Sheen’s understated portrayal creates a believable character, 
showing us his depth of character. Lucas Quintana’s (Leo) has a powerful performance as the struggling and possible savior. He, too, possesses an understated ability to find just the right way to convey his every thought and feeling.
Creating this complex and multilayered story complete with Biblical references and parallel story lines, is not only intellectually stimulating, it is also relatable on a human level. The love and bond between a mother and a son, the challenge and responsibility of a priest as community leader, and the anger at the unfairness of life all are extraordinarily portrayed. The characters are rich and equally intriguing as they interact, needing one another, and carrying the burden of guilt and sadness differently.
“The Vessel” is a an artistically beautiful film portraying the effects of guilt and how we heal from a catastrophic tragedy. The overwhelming need to live and where we find hope merge beautifully, in “The Vessel.”