is a surprisingly effective mix of down—to—earth family drama and out—of—this—world fantasy. there is a genuinely eerie and powerfully emotional magical realist edge to the drama, as gunner's hopes and fears are visualised on screen like scenes and characters from his own artistic creations. it's an effective device that tells us much of this is happening in gunner's imagination, but also leaves us wondering just how much is real. an enjoyably eccentric supporting performance from alfred molino, as the local figure who accidentally inspires this incredible journey, adds to the film's offbeat charms. i just want to know if the water man's real. of course he's real. i went in knowing, and perhaps expecting, little, and came out very pleasantly surprised by what turned out to be a real treat for all the family. it's on netflix now.