120. Doineann; movie review

 

DOINEANN

Cert 15

95 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong violence, language

Here's a first - a movie made and produced in Northern Ireland in the Irish language.

Doineann proves that the country has made significant strides towards reconciliation in recent decades.

It would have been difficult to imagine its release years ago without protest from the predominately English-speaking Protestant majority.

But it was screened for a couple of weeks in cinemas across Northern Ireland before being taken up by TV, including the BBC.

And it deserves the praise it has received. Indeed, I wouldn't be surprised if it launches Brid Brennan as a country police officer - either in more films or in a TV series.

Brennan plays Labhaoise who had intended gentle retirement on a small island a few miles from the mainland.

Her metaphorical slumber is broken by investigative journalist Tomás (Peter Coonan) whose wife (Clare Monnelly) and small child have gone missing while he was on a brief work trip.

Labhaoise has a bit of laid back Miss Marple about her as she sets about trying to find them and discover if foul play is afoot.

Meanwhile, Tomás becomes more desperate and the curious behaviour of the local boatman (Seán T. Ó Meallaigh) prompts suspicion.

At less than £500,000, McCann's film has one the lowest budgets of any thriller this year but he uses the small cast and rugged coastal backdrop to great effect.

The twists and turns keep the audience guessing and he even throws in a slice of Rashomon by looking at crucial events through different lenses.

Sure, there are clunky elements but, overall, I was both impressed and thoroughly engaged.

Reasons to watch: Edgy thriller

Reasons to avoid: A little bit clunky in parts

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? The only inhabited island off Northern Ireland is Rathlin

The final word. Damian McCann: “We are thrilled and excited that our feature film Doineann can be experienced by Irish cinema audiences in the way we had always hoped."

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