Salt Water (2016)

A raw, true-story drama about trauma, survival, and the desperate search for justice when healing feels out of reach.

Salt Water - Movie Information

  • Release Year: 2016
  • Directed by: Stephen Coombs
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama
  • Runtime: 1h 45m
  • Original Language: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 2016 (United States)

Salt Water - Plot

Based on a true story, a troubled twenty-year-old with PTSD struggles to normalize her life and escape her past. But as the symptoms of her disorder spiral out of control, she seeks retribution.

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Salt Water - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Stephen Coombs

Main Cast

  • Zarah Mahler
  • Dustin Ingram
  • Kevin Oestenstad
  • Luke Jones
  • Deborah Strang
  • Bernhard Forcher
  • Christina Moses
  • Jeremy Glazer
  • Jacob DeMonte-Finn
  • Emily Kosloski

Salt Water - FAQs

Is Salt Water based on a true story?

Yes, Salt Water is based on a true story. The film draws from real events surrounding a young woman's experience with PTSD, tracing her difficult journey as she tries to rebuild her life while the disorder's symptoms grow increasingly difficult to manage.

Who are the main actors in Salt Water?

Zarah Mahler leads the cast as Aspen, the film's central character. She's joined by Dustin Ingram as Toast, Kevin Oestenstad as Ben, Luke Jones as Drew, Deborah Strang as Dr. Satterfield, Christina Moses as Dr. Regina G, and Tessa Thompson as Brit, among others.

What is Salt Water about?

Salt Water follows a troubled twenty-year-old living with PTSD as she fights to piece her life back together and move beyond a painful past. When her symptoms spiral out of control, she decides to seek retribution, making for an intense, emotionally raw character study.

How does Aspen’s PTSD affect her in Salt Water?

Aspen's PTSD is portrayed as an all-consuming force that disrupts her daily life, relationships, and sense of self. As her symptoms escalate, she struggles to maintain stability, and the film unflinchingly depicts how trauma can push someone toward desperate, irreversible decisions.

Who directed Salt Water?

Salt Water was directed by Stephen Coombs. The film reflects a grounded, character-driven approach to storytelling, keeping the focus tightly on its protagonist's psychological and emotional experience throughout.

When was Salt Water released?

Salt Water was released on January 1, 2016, in the United States. The film runs approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and falls squarely within the drama genre.

What are some movies similar to Salt Water?

If Salt Water resonated with you, you might also enjoy The Girl in the Book (2015), In Bloom (2013), Imperial Dreams (2014), and Houria (2023). These films share similar themes of trauma, resilience, and personal reinvention, making them natural companion pieces.

How long is Salt Water?

Salt Water has a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes (105 minutes). It's a focused, intimate drama that uses its runtime to build a detailed and emotionally immersive portrait of its protagonist's struggle with PTSD.

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