I wasn't going to leave a review for this movie because I didn't rate it higher than a 7, but then I saw all of the negative reviews and was so confused. What are people doing watching Irish movies if they aren't used to a slow, dark, depressing tale?
If you can handle honest story telling with real acting that isn't theater or over the top, then and only then should you watch this. I didn't even consider this to be a 'slow burn' really, just a departure from the usual Irish dark comedies I normally watch. It's just a captivating drama that is very real, very possible, and probably meant for people who can relate in some way. I was able to relate in many ways. My own husband had dark secrets when I met him that his mother not only kept from me, she lied for him. It happens every day. I was also a victim of sexual assault on more than one occasion and felt the movie mirrored my experience fairly well, albeit with more interesting characters. I'm no feminist or believer in a patriarchy by any means, but this movie felt very real and I can see how it might make some uncomfortable. Perhaps people have some inner demons they should address if this story bothers them so much.
The way it was told was quite fine in it's pace and mood. For those that are upset by the lack of explanation for Brian's absence in Australia, do you need to have everything spoon fed? It's up for interpretation. Brian was never a great character, he didn't actually do anything to be such a shining star to his mother and it took her entirely too long to realize that because he was her favorite. He likely never went to Australia at all. He could have been in prison for crimes he obviously seems so willing to commit. You're on the same journey as Emily Watson here, we only really see what she sees and her perspective and actions change everything. If only more people were willing to reflect on their misdeeds.
If you can handle honest story telling with real acting that isn't theater or over the top, then and only then should you watch this. I didn't even consider this to be a 'slow burn' really, just a departure from the usual Irish dark comedies I normally watch. It's just a captivating drama that is very real, very possible, and probably meant for people who can relate in some way. I was able to relate in many ways. My own husband had dark secrets when I met him that his mother not only kept from me, she lied for him. It happens every day. I was also a victim of sexual assault on more than one occasion and felt the movie mirrored my experience fairly well, albeit with more interesting characters. I'm no feminist or believer in a patriarchy by any means, but this movie felt very real and I can see how it might make some uncomfortable. Perhaps people have some inner demons they should address if this story bothers them so much.
The way it was told was quite fine in it's pace and mood. For those that are upset by the lack of explanation for Brian's absence in Australia, do you need to have everything spoon fed? It's up for interpretation. Brian was never a great character, he didn't actually do anything to be such a shining star to his mother and it took her entirely too long to realize that because he was her favorite. He likely never went to Australia at all. He could have been in prison for crimes he obviously seems so willing to commit. You're on the same journey as Emily Watson here, we only really see what she sees and her perspective and actions change everything. If only more people were willing to reflect on their misdeeds.