Movies that feature fly fishing are few and far between. There are, however, two personal favorites that come to mind, Robert Redford’s “A River Runs Through It” and Lasse Hallström’s “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.” Like those two films, Joshua Caldwell’s “Mending the Line” incorporates the therapeutic yet challenging sport that serves as a backdrop for the main story, which in this case is war veterans dealing with PTSD. Featuring strong performances and a solid cast that includes Sinqua Walls (“White Men Can’t Jump”), plus seasoned greats Brian Cox and Wes Studi, the heartwarming film examines the alienation and trauma many “wounded warriors” experience and their journey towards peace and purpose.
Written by Stephen Camelio, a regular contributor to “Field & Stream” and a fly fisherman, he took up the sport as a therapeutic way to deal with grief after his father, a Vietnam Veteran, passed away in 2013 from cancer caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Director Joshua Caldwell, whose Instagram showcases his love for fly fishing, had been searching for a story relating to PTSD and its effects on veterans when Camelio’s script made its way to him. Shot in Montana, the film features stunning cinematography by Eve Cohen and slow-motion trout footage by Gilbert Rowley and Ryan Kelly.
Sinqua Walls plays Marine John Colter whose squad in Afghanistan is celebrating the end of their tour duty in the film’s opening scene. There’s a lot of camaraderie as the soldiers discuss one member’s upcoming wedding when Colter gets the news that his squad must take one more trip “outside the wire” before they can go home. You can guess what happens next. The authentic combat sequence was filmed at Camp Pendleton using real Marines and military equipment.
After being wounded, Colter ends up at a VA hospital in Montana under the care of Dr. Burke (Patricia Heaton). He wants to return to active duty but as she points out he’s got a long road ahead that involves physical therapy and counseling after being diagnosed with PTSD and survivor’s remorse; most of Colter’s men didn’t make it out of Afghanistan.
Fresh from the series finale of “Succession,” seasoned actor Brian Cox plays Vietnam veteran Ike Fletcher who spends most of his days fly fishing. The grumpy loner is under Dr. Burke’s orders to avoid fishing alone as he suffers from fainting spells caused by PTSD. The former Marine usually disregards the doc’s orders and suffers at least one close call in a scene where he regains consciousness, battered and bruised, after passing out near the riverbank.
The film depicts how alcohol is a quick fix for soldiers coping with trauma. Fletcher is a recovering alcoholic and Colter is self-medicating, usually carrying a bottle in his back pocket. When a group therapy session ends badly, Burke suggests Colter visit Fletcher for a fly-fishing lesson. He pays a visit to Fletcher who bluntly asks, “Have you been drinking?” before slamming the door in Colter’s face.
Fletcher eventually comes around and offers to teach Colter how to fly fish but only after the hopeful apprentice does a little recon beginning with reading about the sport, “More great literature has been written about fly fishing than any other sport” asserts Fletcher. The next day Colter heads to the library where he meets Lucy (Perry Mattfield), a librarian who spends a significant amount of time reading to veterans at the VA hospital. Her story arc reveals why she spends so much time with vets, and at least one secret.
Rounding out the cast is the great Wes Studi as Fletcher’s friend and fishing store owner Harrison who brings levity to the film. The Native American actor whose memorable performances in films include “Dances with Wolves,” “The Last of the Mohicans,” “Heat,” and last year’s “A Love Song,” is a joy to watch. He adds a nice balance to the melodramatic storyline.
The premise of the story and the marketing of the film may feel like a made-for-tv movie, but “Mending the Line” features a terrific cast, solid performances, and a story that highlights the recovery process for many veterans who return from combat unsure of their future or place in the world. Caldwell does a fine job of keeping the film from getting syrupy even when a final act emotional scene involving Fletcher and an estranged son tugs at our emotions. The film can be a bit predictable, and I would have enjoyed a bit more interaction between Colter and Lucy, but those are just minor blemishes.
Each year my hometown holds a wonderful event called “Warrior’s Weekend” where veterans are bused in to enjoy a weekend of fishing along the Texas coast. In fact, there are many amazing programs across the country that bring vets and fishing together, including fly fishing by groups Discover Courage, Casting for Recovery, Reeling in Serenity, and the Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation.
You don’t have to be a veteran or know a veteran to enjoy Joshua Caldwell’s film. Anyone who has been affected by the loss of a loved one can relate to the touching story. With summer getting underway and blockbusters filling theater screens, it’s easy for a small indie film to get overlooked. Give “Mending the Line” a chance and you’ll be hooked just like the trout in the memorable film.
(3 ½ stars)
Now showing in theaters
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