On the Water 2021
Peeter Simm's *On the Water (2021)* is a poignant blend of comedy and drama set against the drab backdrop of a small Soviet-era Estonian town.
Director: Peeter Simm
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is On the Water (2021) about?
The film centers on Andres, a sensitive teenager raised by strict grandparents in a bleak Soviet Estonian town. Ostracized at school and bullied, he finds refuge among his unconventional neighbors—drunks, thieves, and outcasts—who offer him a flawed but genuine version of family.
Who directed On the Water?
Peeter Simm directed *On the Water*. Known for his nuanced storytelling and focus on Estonian social dynamics, Simm crafts a visually stark yet emotionally layered tale.
Who stars in On the Water?
The film stars Rasmus Ermel as Andres, with Marko Matvere, Aarne Soro, Maria Klenskaja, and Kalju Orro rounding out the principal cast.
Is On the Water (2021) worth watching?
While IMDb hasn't rated it yet, *On the Water* is a compelling watch for fans of character-driven dramas with dark humor. Its themes of resilience and outsider solidarity give it depth, even if the bleak setting isn't for everyone.
How long is On the Water?
The runtime for *On the Water* is 106 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About On the Water (2021) — A Teen's Search for Belonging in a Soviet-Era Comedy Drama
Peeter Simm's *On the Water (2021)* is a poignant blend of comedy and drama set against the drab backdrop of a small Soviet-era Estonian town. The film follows Andres, a fragile teenager shunned by his stern grandparents and tormented at school, finding solace only among the misfits next door—drunks, outcasts, and petty criminals who become his unlikely family. Through sharp humor and raw emotion, the story explores isolation, resilience, and the search for belonging in a place where life feels frozen in time.
With a cast led by Rasmus Ermel as the vulnerable protagonist and featuring the compelling Marko Matvere, *On the Water* captures the bittersweet contrast between teenage angst and the chaotic warmth of outsiders who teach him to navigate a world that otherwise ignores him. Simm's direction infuses the film with a melancholic yet hopeful tone, blending the absurdity of daily struggles with the quiet dignity of those fighting to be seen.