Review: Men Who Fish
Synopsis
After an uneventful fishing trip, a man uncovers a conspiracy upholding centuries-old gender norms, threatening his worldview and loved ones.
Men Who Fish, directed by Rachel Siegel, begins with a familiar premise: two men head out on a fishing trip in Northern Ontario. The film cleverly dismantles the trope of male bonding and the so-called “men’s club.” When the two men return home and recount their fishing “tail” to their wives, their story becomes increasingly absurd. The humour escalates as the film leans into the ridiculous premise that fish might not exist at all, transforming their exaggerated retelling into a comical attempt to maintain the illusion of the trip’s success.
The film’s charm lies in the dynamic between the two leads, who are cousins in real life. Their natural rapport allows for improvisational dialogue that carries much of the film, giving it the feeling of an inside joke that expands into a commentary on masculinity and storytelling itself. Shot over a single sweltering weekend in a cramped cabin, the production embraced its limitations. The tight space led to an abundance of handheld shots and over-the-shoulder framing, which added an immediacy to the performances. The film also leans into visual comedy through its props — dozens of decorative fish memorabilia sourced from cottages across the region, which creates a surreal backdrop for the ridiculous narrative.
Siegel ’s personal history adds another subtle layer to the story. Growing up she often joined her father on fishing trips as the only girl in the group, an experience that aided in informing the film’s playful critique of gendered spaces.
Ultimately, Men Who Fish is less about fishing than it is about the stories people tell — to themselves and to each other. By pushing the premise into absurdity, the film pokes fun at rigid gender norms while celebrating the creative freedom of independent filmmaking.
More info & links:
- Director: Rachel Siegel
Catharine Horsley
Film Reviewer
Catharine Horsley is a film studies graduate from Carleton University, who is addicted to the cinema. She is very passionate about art, photography, and filmmaking. Her dream is to become an assistant director and film critic. When Catharine isn’t watching movies, she finds joy in reading, writing, painting, and cooking.
