By Mark Pukalo
Expectations did not meet reality at the Sarasota Film Festival on Sunday.
One film that was highly anticipated turned out to be a bit thin, and two lesser-known movies were well worth the time.
"The Floaters" started the day and left me with a smile while the gritty "On the End" stayed with me on the long ride home. "Omaha," which has received strong reviews for its emotional punch as far back as the 2025 Sundance, seemed to be missing something on the road to a soul-crushing ending.
In between, a large crowd viewed "Anne Packard: An Artist's Resolve" about the life of the famous 92-year-old painter who spent most of her time in Provincetown on Cape Cod. It was an interesting, well shot and expertly edited documentary from Arthur Egeli (Art Thief). Packard (right) is a real piece of work.
However, the day started with an enjoyable, unique summer camp film from director Rachel Israel. Nomi (Jackie Tohn) loses her job as the front girl of a rock band and desperately takes a job with her friend at a Jewish summer camp.
Nomi is given a group called "floaters," who are not signed up for anything special at the camp. The film hinges on how compelling these kids are and they deliver. They are smart and, at times, very funny. It is kind of predictable that the outcast girl (Nina Bloomgarden) and the grumpy outcast boy (Judah Lewis) get together, but it all works.
There is just enough smart humor to carry the story along. It is sort of a poor man's "Theater Camp" - one of my favorite movies of 2023. Israel sprinkles in the religion enough that you notice it, but it does not stand out. This film might not fill the theaters. However, if you see it on a streaming site or Fandango, give it a watch. It's a lot of fun.
On the End takes a little getting used to. It's based on the true story of a down-on-his-luck, hoarding mechanic (Tim Blake Nelson) who owns beachfront property in Montauk. A local realtor and the town are harassing him to sell while he welcomes a spirited woman he met online (Freckles) to his home.
Freckles (Mireille Enos, left), a fellow diabetic in worse condition, adds a real spark to the film and Tom's life as they fight the snobby town officials. It's not for everyone, but if you give it a chance, it has a big heart. Like The Floaters, it might not fill seats, but director Ari Selinger made a film worth the time for move lovers.
Omaha is not a bad movie at all. In my opinion, it is just a bit of a missed opportunity. It follows a widower (John Magaro), who packs up his two kids and the dog for a trip from Utah to Nebraska after the house is foreclosed on. There are some stops along the way and the kids (Molly Belle Wright and Wyatt Solis) are wonderful.
While the sound system where I viewed the movie was a bit of an issue, the story needed more depth before the big reveal at the end. We know he's depressed. He lost his wife and had some obvious financial issues, but we need to know more - maybe with a few well-placed flashbacks. The run time is just 84 minutes, so another 10-15 would not have hurt.
A second viewing at some point may change my opinion a bit. Those who watch 200 movies per year should watch Omaha and see what they think. Magaro never disappoints.
The festival continues through Sunday. For more information, check out https://www.sarasotafilmfestival.com/festival/2026/schedule.
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