Treading Water 2013
"Mica is a perfectly normal boy. Well he would be if he didn't smell of fish."
Analeine Cal y Mayor's *Treading Water (2013)* spins an offbeat yet poignant tale of Mica, a young boy whose life takes an unusual turn when an unshakable fishy odor clings to him from birth, defying even the toughest soaps.
Director: Analeine Cal y Mayor
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Treading Water (2013) about?
*Treading Water* follows Mica, a boy whose life is upended by a lifelong fishy odor that no amount of soap can scrub away. Struggling to fit in at school and pushed to the fringes by his peers, he turns to therapy and eventually crosses paths with Laura, whose unexpected kindness offers a lifeline in an otherwise isolating world.
Who directed Treading Water?
The film was directed by Analeine Cal y Mayor, who brings a distinctive blend of humor and heart to this coming-of-age story.
Who stars in Treading Water?
The cast features Douglas Smith as Mica, Zoë Kravitz as Laura, and Carrie-Anne Moss in a key supporting role, with Ariadna Gil and Don McKellar rounding out the ensemble.
Is Treading Water (2013) worth watching?
With its unique premise and blend of comedy and drama, *Treading Water* offers a fresh take on the challenges of growing up. While it may not be a blockbuster, its quirky charm and relatable themes make it a hidden gem for fans of offbeat, character-driven stories.
How long is Treading Water?
The film has a runtime of 92 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Treading Water (2013) — A Fishy Smell, a Child's Quest for Acceptance, and One Unlikely Friend
Analeine Cal y Mayor's *Treading Water (2013)* spins an offbeat yet poignant tale of Mica, a young boy whose life takes an unusual turn when an unshakable fishy odor clings to him from birth, defying even the toughest soaps. As he navigates the isolating challenges of childhood—bullying, alienation, and the desperate search for connection—the film blends dark comedy with raw emotional depth. Through Mica's journey, the story explores themes of belonging, societal judgment, and the quiet resilience required to keep afloat when the world holds its nose. With a quirky premise rooted in the mundane, the director crafts a narrative that's both heartfelt and wickedly humorous, where every awkward schoolyard encounter and therapist session underscores the absurdity and pain of being different.
Starring Douglas Smith as the determined but bewildered Mica, Zoë Kravitz as Laura, the unexpected ray of hope in his life, and Carrie-Anne Moss lending gravitas as a caring yet pragmatic figure, the ensemble brings depth to this unconventional dramedy. The film's tone balances the bittersweet with the buoyant, making *Treading Water* a standout in the comedy-drama genre—where every laugh feels like a defiant gasp for air.