A beautifully staged story set in rural Ireland, but examining universal themes about growing up and breaking free.
The teenage Deirdre is just starting to find out about life and first love. Meanwhile her single mother is obsessed with the Church and her daughter’s perceived sin. When a group of travellers arrives in the village it’s clear that one man in particular has a history with Deirdre’s mother. Initially trapped by her mother’s increasingly frightening behaviour, this turn of events at last offers Deirdre a chance to take control and find a way out.
I can just about remember my teenage years and while I don’t remember freewheeling down a country lane with my boyfriend (it took a lot longer than that to actually find someone willing to go out with me and he’s probably still not recovered) I do remember the flirtatious excitement and coy glances.
Here Deirdre is played by India Mullen, who brilliantly captures the bright, carefree aspects of being a teenager in love – the snatched meetings, shy handholding, and realisation that there is more to life than school and bible readings – while having to go home each day to the darkness of her mother’s religious obsessions, which seem to ratchet up each day.
Director Jo Southwell has delivered a moving film about a young girl leaving childhood behind while trying to make sense of life, love and family; and looking for support and friendship when those who should provide it are unable to.
Check out the trailer for Deirdre below.
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