Bayo (1985): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1985, Bayo is a drama film directed by Mort Ransen, running about 99 minutes. “There's a time for talkin'...and there's a time for doin'...and there's a time for leaving!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Sharon and her ten year old son Bayo live in Tickle Cove on the shores of Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland like generations of their family have before them. Sharon hates her life there. She dreams of moving to Toronto - where her now deceased mother was from - to eke out a better life for her and Bayo. She even leaves her big black packed trunk in the middle of the foyer as a symbolic gesture that that move will soon be happening. She equally hates her fisher father, Phillip Longlan, for subjecting her and her mother to life there. Phillip, who spends most of his time on a commercial fishing boat, only provides Sharon enough money to survive but not to achieve that dream of leaving. Bayo, however, doesn't want to leave, especially leave his grandfather behind. He wants to live and die by the sea, much like his deceased father, who he never knew.

Who’s in it. Bayo stars Ed McNamara as Phillip Longlan, Patricia Phillips as Sharon and Stephen McGrath as Bayo.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.5/10, Bayo has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Bayo page.

If you liked it. Fans of Bayo tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.