Genre: Documentary

In her desolate cottage in Northern Scotland Megan Boyd used to make fishing flies, though looking like delicately put together works of art, they were also lethal for catching salmon. Her name became something almost mythical as people from all around the world would seek her to get the flies she made, as no other flies ever had the success rate of the ones produces by her hand, even Prince Charles apparently asked her personally for her beautifully made flies. Told through animation and interviews with those who met her, Kiss the Water is not just a documentary of the woman, but also the myths that surrounded her.

Fly fishing, and more specifically the making of the flies that help to catch the salmon, does not exactly sound like the most cinematically pleasing of subjects does it? Well, through his obvious passion for his subject matter, Eric Steel has managed to create an engaging documentary. Using beautiful visuals, a stunning score from Paul Cantelon and telling the story of Megan Boyd as though she were at times a mythical figure, Kiss the Water is a beautiful cinematic portrait and tribute to a woman many (including me) may never have heard of, but for those that fly fish, was the name of legend.

Her secluded and traditional lifestyle may have made Megan seem an almost mythical and poetic figure, but in the context of Kiss the Water makes for a film with a genuinely cinematic feel. The beautiful visuals and score make sure that this is no generic warts n all documentary, but a passionately made cinematic portrait. Megan herself made the flies purely as a form of art and took no pleasure in the fact they were for catching (and killing) salmon, the fact salmon are attracted to the flies is a fact that cannot be explained as the film mentions, but yet hers were by far the best at this. For that reason she was honoured by royalty, but despite that remained humble. To learn the stories of her later life within this film also evoke emotional engagement with the film, though of course I do not want to say anymore.

Kiss the Water is not a film that I expect people to rush out and see due to its apparent niche subject matter. However for anyone after a film that is made with genuine passion, as well as being an informative watch but also a rewarding, invigorating and visually pleasing tribute to one individual that was the best at she did, then I would certainly recommend Kiss the Water.

8/10