Standby (2014)
Rob and Ronan Burke fashion a warm and funny film from a smart script by Peirce Ryan. 20-something Alan (Brian Gleeson) is forlorn and unlucky in love and not doing so well in life, either. He has recently been jilted at the altar and the only vestiges of romance are the barely disguised secret-admirer notes left for him by his co-worker at an information desk in the airport. She also happens to be his mother. A chance encounter at the airport with old flame Alice (Jessica Paré) may mean a second chance. She is on standby for a flight home to New York. They decide to spend the night in Dublin together. Can they rekindle their love for each other? Watch out for a truly superb turn from Francesca Cherruault as Alan’s friend Beatrice. A predictable but very enjoyable film. (Netflix)
★★★
The Lobster (2015)
Yorgos Lanthimos first foray in Ireland is a scalpel sharp look at coupling and loneliness. A never better Farrell stars as David, a single man, who according to the law, is taken to a hotel, where he is obliged to find a romantic partner in forty-five days or be transformed into the animal of his choice and sent off into the woods. The Lobster is a jet black comedy set in a dystopian near future. The supporting cast (John C. Reilly, Ben Wishaw, Rachel Weisz, Léa Seydoux) are excellent. There is also a fantastic turn by Olivia Colman as a sort of benign Nurse Ratchet. This is wonderful nightmare fuel. (Netflix and Volta)
★★★★
Cardboard Gangsters (2017)
Mark O’Connor’s film was that rare thing: an 18 certificate Irish film that was a stellar success at the box office. Cardboard Gangsters tells the story of Jay (John Connors, superb as always) who must negotiate the drugs and gangsters scene in Darndale. The relationships he becomes involved in and the childhood friendships add plenty of stakes to the pot. Whilst Cardboard Gangsters has a familiar story this is elevated by great direction, plenty of energy, a terrific lead performance and an unusual location. The soundtrack is a belter as well with some superb and unfamiliar local music adding much. (Volta)
★★★★
A Date for Mad Mary (2016)
“Mad” Mary McArdle (Seana Kerslake) returns to Drogheda after a short spell in prison. Back home, everything and everyone has changed. Her best friend, Charlene (Charleigh Bailey), is about to get married and Mary is maid of honour. When Charlene refuses Mary a ‘plus one’ on the grounds that she probably couldn’t find a date, Mary becomes determined to prove her wrong. This is an intense and superb film with superbwork from Kerslake and Bailey. The tonal shifts are fluid and the script is very good indeed. (Volta)
★★★★
70 CinÉireann / December 2017