Ah, man, I'm totally the 180-Police. How did this happen to me?
You're killing the 180-Rule. I'd point out a couple examples, but there are too many. Killing it. It's one of the basics of filmmaking for good reason. Learn it; practice it.
My second critique I guess isn't a critique but more a personal preference -- I don't understand why low-budget indie filmmakers modify their footage, in post, to fit the 2.35 aspect ratio. Surely, you know this won't be seen on a giant canvas, like this aspect ratio calls for. And I don't think it makes it look more "cinematic". I think it makes it look like you're trying to make it look more "cinematic". Meanwhile, there's this large area of your screen that could've been used to paint a more complete picture.
A previous poster mentioned the dialogue. Yeah, it's a tad expeditious. But hey, it's tough to do everything. Keep practicing. Plus, it didn't completely make sense -- his older brother can swim freestyle, but he can't do the doggy-paddle to stay afloat? Can't tread water? By the time the average swimmer is able to swim freestyle, they're able to tread water for hours, effortlessly. This story would make more sense if it were shot in the deep ocean, not a pond.
Anway...
Alright, so those are the critiques that I offer, and that's more than I offer most first-time filmmakers. Most first-time filmmakers have so many huge blatant misjudgments that I don't know where to begin, so I kinda just choose whichever blunder sticks out most to me, and focus on that one. I don't want to
inundate them with too many corrections, so I focus on one.
With you, it's different. With you, it's more focusing on the few that are actually worth mentioning, because otherwise -- this is a damn solid product! Let me reiterate -- THIS IS A DAMN SOLID PRODUCT!
It's clear to me that you put every ounce of effort into this. Your camera work, cinematography and editing are all so thought-out, meticulously-planned, and that is so crucial. I can see that you wrapped your entire brain around this project, and the evidence is in every frame. So, please don't take my numerous criticisms as harsh criticism; please take it as me taking particular interest in you, simply because you're awesome!