Film Review: Fisherman’s Friends

Fisherman’s Friends is a British film, which has already released in the UK last year but is just now getting a domestic digital release. It is loosely based on the story behind the Port Isaac based singing group of the same name, who are a group of men who sing sea shanties a cappella. The plot involves a group of mischievous and cynical music producers led by Troy (Noel Clarke) who decide to spend some time in Cornwall. As a joke, they leave behind Danny (Daniel Mays) with the seemingly impossible task of signing up a group of singing fishermen.

Danny naturally struggles to get it done, not only because Danny and his friends left a bad first impression on the locals, but the fishermen also don’t have a particular desire to seek fame and fortune. But even when Danny finds out the whole job was a prank, he finds himself more earnestly motivated to get them signed up even when facing pressure from his boss to leave it. While Danny settles into the community, he begins to develop a close bond with Alwyn (Tuppence Middleton), who is the daughter of the de facto leader of the band, Jim (James Purefoy), and also runs the bed-and-breakfast that Danny is staying at.

Fisherman’s Friends is a film that doesn’t demand too much of its audience. It’s a classic underdog formula. Written by Piers Ashworth, Meg Leonard, and Nick Moorcroft, and directed by Chris Foggin, who has up until this point mostly been known for his second unit work and his 2016 debut, Kids In Love, it knowingly taps into that familiar structure, and makes the most of it, playing everything as sincerely as possible. Though that might make for a somewhat predictable viewing experience, most of the story beats land rather effectively.

The only moments where things don’t quite ring true mostly revolves around a subplot involving a local, historically significant pub that is in danger of going bankrupt, of which the thread leads to that obligatory end of second act slump where everyone is separated and a sad song plays over a montage. It may serve its purpose, but it forces conflict in a manner I didn’t think was necessary. That and the romance between Danny and Alwyn feels a bit rushed in its conclusion, as if the film really didn’t want to push past the two hour mark.

That aside, the film is a joy, and a large part of that is due to the cast. Daniel Mays is an affable lead who plays a good straight man to some of the antics of the fishermen. The actors playing the fishermen are all really good, carrying that small town charm with ease. Though James Purefoy gets most of the screentime and character development, guys like David Hayman, Dave Johns, and Vahid Gold get moments to make a strong impression. Tuppence Middleton delivers strong work, even if the role itself is a bit of a thankless one that doesn’t stray far from the standard love interest character type.

Despite its faults, I was ultimately very charmed by Fisherman’s Friends. I like the way it captures the traditions, superstitions, and general eccentricities of a small town, and the sense of community between the residents. I like the way it captures the scenery with the on-location shooting. And I was also enamored by the songs themselves. It isn’t the most challenging or subtle affair, as some of the snobby city people versus quaint townsfolk moments lay it on a bit too thick, but it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Apparently, a sequel is in the works, which doesn’t seem entirely necessary, but I will say even if you aren’t familiar with this style of music, the story and the characters are so very likable that it won’t take long to win you over.

Fisherman’s Friends is now available on VOD and digital platforms.