the quiet girl (2022)
Original Title: An Cailín Ciúin
A WORLD OF QUIET CONTEMPLATION THAT ROARS WITH EMOTION
I have been attending the Sydney Film Festival for about 10 years now and The Quiet Girl is the first film I’ve witnessed a standing ovation for. Not only that, but it must be one of the longest applauses I’ve experienced for a film too. Was it all deserving? Absolutely!
In the backdrop of 1981, The Quiet Girl tells the story of Cáit (Catherine Clinch), a young girl, who finds refuge from her dysfunctional family by spending the summer with her estranged relatives, Seán (Andrew Bennett) and Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley). Despite being unfamiliar with them, Cáit gradually flourishes under their care, unveiling a fresh perspective on life. However, in this house where love thrives and there are meant to be no secrets, Cáit discovers one.
As Cáit delves deeper into the enigma shrouding her relatives’ past, she confronts the complexities of familial bonds and the repercussions of buried truths. The idyllic setting that initially promised solace becomes tinged with uncertainty, challenging Cáit to reconcile her burgeoning sense of belonging with the unsettling revelations. The Quiet Girl intricately weaves a tale of self-discovery and the delicate balance between acceptance and confronting the shadows of the past, offering a poignant exploration of the human experience.
The Quiet Girl emerges as a masterclass in delicate storytelling, characterised by its patient and tender approach to filmmaking. Director Colm Bairéad exhibits meticulous attention to detail, crafting each scene with precision to evoke maximum emotional resonance. The performances, especially from newcomer Catherine Clinch, are nothing short of brilliant, infusing the narrative with authenticity and depth. From the restrained dialogue to the nuanced cinematography, every element of the film contributes to its subdued yet powerful impact.
As the narrative unfolds with measured pacing, viewers are drawn into a world of quiet contemplation and subtle emotions. Bairéad’s directorial finesse ensures that every moment lingers, heightening the poignancy of the film's emotional climax. The Quiet Girl is a testament to the beauty of restraint in storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on audiences with its profound exploration of human connection and resilience.
An incredibly beautiful film that certainly put the tear ducts into overdrive. This one comes highly recommended.
★★★★★
16 JUNE 2022
