After delivering indelible performances in films like Selma and A United Kingdom, British-Nigerian actor David Oyelowo appeals to the child within for The Water Man, his Oprah Winfrey supported directorial debut. The Water Man continues Oyelowo’s exploration into grief and growing up as it arrives only months after his star turn alongside Angelina Jolie in the as-yet-unreleased, Sundance debuting Brenda Chapman fantasy, Come Away.

Gunner Boone (Lonnie Chavis) is an 11-year-old kid with a hyperactive imagination which he puts to use writing comic books. Gunner is dealing with the family’s move to a new community as well as his father’s lengthy absences. Gunner’s primary source of strength is his mother, Mary (Rosario Dawson, with nothing to do) with whom he enjoys a loving relationship. Not so much his marine father, Amos (Oyelowo who itches to turn his boy into someone tougher).

#TIFF2020: David Oyelowo’s ‘The Water Man’ is a modest charmer