It’s Christmas in Sligo, and the Cosgroves have gathered in the good room, full of bad moods and holiday décor.
Aiming to break the tension, youngest son Dorian (Jacob McCarthy ) spins a yarn, plotting a revenge heist against their father’s arch nemesis: the farmer Charlie Bann (played by Stephen Rea ).
The plan is dismissed out of hand, until an opportunity presents itself, choices are made, and we are off on a wild ride through the fields on the back of a damn good story.
The film had its world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh last Friday, followed by a Q&A with the director and some of the actors.
The stakes escalate dramatically with every turn made by a phenomenal ensemble cast, including Ardal O’Hanlon, Ruth Codd, Michelle Fairley, Simone Kirby, and Michael Colgan.
The characters really shine, whether on their own or in relation to each other. McCarthy and Claffey seamlessly execute a brotherly dynamic, while Fairley plays a severe mother figure recognisable to all.
The priest Fr Kavanaugh (Colgan ) plays some of the funniest deadpans in the film. Rea, meanwhile, clearly had a great time as Charlie Bann, a convincing antagonist more than a match for the six Cosgroves.
The visual details lend cohesion and colour to the acting and storyline, from crocheted balaclavas to the rugged landscape of the Sligo countryside.
The film, as one of the characters put it, is “a uniquely Irish arrangement.”
This debut feature from writer-director Dallan Shovlin does not miss a beat. Impeccably plotted and paced, his detail-oriented approach pays off, with countless lines earning laughs.
Shovlin also demonstrates a rare skill amid today’s bloated blockbusters: when to stop filming, and leave us satisfied but wanting more.
Given the ending, someone in the audience asked if Shovlin had a sequel in mind.
“You’ll Never Believe Who’s Taoiseach,” Claffey joked.
“Who’s to say?” replied Shovlin.
We can only hope to join the Cosgroves again, next Christmas.
5/5 stars
Keep an eye out on wheretowatchireland.ie to find this film when it’s released.
