By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Colm Bairéad
Starring: Andrew Bennett | Carrie Crowley | Catherine Clinch | Kate Nic Chonaonaigh | Michael Patric
Original language title: An Cailín Ciúin
Country: ireland
Year: 2023
Running time: 94
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15109082/reference/
Michael says: “I went into THE QUIET GIRL with only the knowledge that it was spoken in the traditional Irish language, and the image or the young girl on the poster. I knew nothing else about it. As the film began and I critically judged the first fifteen minutes or so, thinking, well this seems like every other story about an socially awkward, potentially neglected young girl in a large, poor Irish family. As the film shifted into the meat of the story, I slowly succumbed to the pace, the visuals, the slowly unfolding story, and the magnificent performances until I was completely absorbed, marveling at how simple a story, a story about grief, care, and love, could be incredibly powerful. Set in 1981, although given the isolation of these tiny Irish villages it could have been so much longer ago, young Cáit is sent to her mother’s distant much older cousin’s home for the summer. Despite her caretaker’s statement that there are no secrets in this house, there actually happens to be a rather big one, and it is revealed slowly and beautifully in a film that is paced perfectly.
“THE QUIET GIRL is Colm Bairéad’s first feature narrative, and he also adapted it from a short story by Claire Keegan. His cinematographer, Kate McCullogh provides the exquisite visuals, with a muted pallet, and an artistic eye for composition. One repeated scene of Cáit running exquisitely conveys so much, and means something different each time it appears. In her film debut, Catherine Clinch beautifully captures her character and conveys so much meaning with sparse dialog. Similarly, Carrie Crowley (STAY) and Andrew Bennett (GOD’S CREATURES, DATING AMBER, ANGELA’S ASHES) hit every right note as the older summer caregivers. There’s a lot to enjoy watching THE QUIET GIRL, and I was in no rush for it to end. 4 1/2 cats”
Peg replies: “Loved this one!
Diane responds: “Just saw this one and I expect to be nom’ing Carrie Crowley, as Mrs. Kinsella, for actress (supporting?) and nom’ing the adapted screenplay. The source novella is exquisite—reading it beforehand makes the heartache all the more delicious.”
Brett responds: “For me, tack on a special nod to the editing and overall direction of the film in addition to all that’s been said already. Enjoyed this film quite a bit.”