New Gaelic movie The Quiet Girl tugs at the heartstrings
Moving and emotional, the new Irish film ‘The Quiet Girl’ really tugs at the heart strings.
Filmed entirely in Gaelic (with English subtitles) the movie is directed by Colm Bairéad from an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s 2010 short story Foster and tells the story of 10-year-old Cáit; excellently played by newcomer Catherine Clinch.
A highly sensitive soul, Cáit is brought up in early-1980’s rural Ireland in a dysfunctional family comprising her heavily pregnant mother (Kate Nic Chonaonaigh), and deadbeat, drunken Dad (Michael Patric).
Such is the lack of affection shown by her parents, that Cáit is not even told about their decision to ‘farm her off’ to her mother’s cousin Eibhlín for the summer holidays.
Cáit’s parents callous and abusive behaviour is contrasted by the warmth and affection of Cáit’s new foster parents, who welcome her to their small, successful dairy farm with open arms and hearts.
Superbly played by Carrie Crowley, Eibhlín showers affection on Cáit and despite a small false start when the wandering Cáit upsets Eibhlin’s farmer husband Seán (Andrew Bennett), the little girl settles in well.
But there is a dark secret permeating this seemingly idyllic situation: one known only too well by Cáit’s father who quietly revels in the knowledge, although young Cáit remains blissfully unaware.
This ignorance is shattered however when after a few weeks at the farm, neighbour Úna (brilliantly portrayed by Joan Sheehy) takes her into her confidence and tells her the real truth behind Sean and Eibhlín’s ‘childless’ situation.
Such is the brutality of the truth that Cáit becomes even more withdrawn for a while, until her fragility and delicateness is complimented by Sean who, even more than her foster mother, understands Cáit’s reticence.
As Seán says to Cáit: “Many’s the person missed the opportunity to say nothing.”
A mysterious and gloomy artificial lake also takes centre stage in the film for its dark and brooding secret, adding much tension to the film’s finale.
Lastly, The Quiet Girl is an excellent showcase for some of the most beautiful scenery Ireland has to offer: sweeping green vistas topped by rugged hills and breathtaking scenery.
The film commences at Luna Leederville and Luna on SX on September 8, 2022.
There is also a ‘The Quiet Girl Afternoon Tea’ on Sunday September 11 at Luna Leederville and Luna on SX to showcase the movie ( see photo below).
By Mike Peeters
www.mikepeetersmedia.com.au