Director: Frank Berry
Talent: Dafhyd Flynn, Moe Dunford, Lalor Roddy
Released: 6 April
Michael McCrea (Flynn) is an 18-year-old forging an existence on a Dublin housing estate. His father is incarcerated and his mother has died of a drug over dose. He is being raised by his caring and dedicated Grandfather, Francis McCrea (Roddy). A bullying teacher leads to Michael leaving formal education and commencing a course with Youthreach. This biographical detail is not heard from Michael directly; he does not use his circumstance as a mitigating factor in what unravels as the story progresses.
Caught with a bag of cocaine in his bedroom, (held for his friend’s gang member brother) Michael is forced to serve three months in prison. The type of role he played in the drug trade is described by the judge as “cogs in a well-oiled machine”. The tragic reality of deprivation statistics and brutality of the carceral machine is masterfully portrayed. Michael is trapped, by systems and institutions acting upon him, and inside himself.
The film chronicles his constant attempts to keep his head above water. A necessary component of this is befriending fellow inmate, David (Dunford). The initial gang interaction is not forgotten, and Francis and Michael are indebted for the seized cocaine.
The desperation and helplessness of those who live in cyclical poverty is palpable. Writer and Director, Frank Berry creates a persistent sense of danger, heightening our sense of Michael’s vulnerability. Through the camera’s focus on physical barriers and objects of urbanity, we are immersed in the what it feels like to be stuck and miserable in the suburbs. It is intensely grey but not without beauty. Characters are shot close up, often with blurred surrounds.
Coupled with the flawless acting, we develop an intense connection with the characters and the effecting journey they lead us on.
A phenomenal and necessary piece of work.
Words – Sarah Taaffe-Maguire
