About

Focusing on the life of Jake Williams, a man who has chosen to live in isolation in the Scottish Highlands, Two Years at Sea is a meditative, non-narrative fictional film directed by artist and filmmaker Ben Rivers that depicts a life of solitude and unquestionable freedom. Loosely structured around Williams' daily routine, the film is an observational documentary that follows the movements of Jake as he wanders through the forest, foraging for food, and creating makeshift shelters out of found materials.

A compelling example of slow cinema, the film's minimalistic approach invites viewers to contemplate the beauty and isolation of nature, as well as the psychological effects of long-term solitude. By rejecting the conveniences of dialogue and more conventional narrative structures, Rivers relies upon the strength of the film’s poetic visuals (including a touch of magical realism) to communicate the film's central themes. The haunting soundtrack, developed by experimental musician Chris Watson, further accentuates the film's introspective mood.

Winner of multiple awards including the International Film Critics Award, the FIPRESCI Prize, at the 2011 Venice Film Festival, Two Years at Sea is a surreal voyage into the depths of human solitude and the sublime feeling of being entirely immersed in nature.

Ages 15+ | Contains adult themes