Faith, Feminism, and Freedom

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MOVIE REVIEW
Irish Catholic

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Musical
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Katie Madonna Lee
Writer(s): Katie Madonna Lee
Cast: Charles Sweeney Ortiz, Chloe Roe, Ann Myrna, Katie Madonna Lee
Where To Watch: headed to Festivals Fall of 2023, further release info TBD

RAVING REVIEW: IRISH CATHOLIC, an intriguing and unexpected experience, stepped onto my viewing radar. It's a unique, heartfelt nod to the one and only Sinead O'Connor. From its intriguing storyline to its audacious creative choices, the film is guided by a powerhouse all-female team (writer, director, director of photography, and more.) IRISH CATHOLIC traverses whimsical charm and thought-provoking depths, making it an unapologetic pull for viewers.

Without question, the film starts with a bang, making you question the entirety of the experience from the first scene. With the feel of an unscripted stage production, we entire this alternate universe. Set within an American Catholic town amid the Rust Belt of the US, the movie delves deep into shadows of historical transgressions. The filmmakers skillfully sidestep gratuitous scenes while immersing the audience in the gravity of its subject matter. The infectious zest evident in the performances adds a delightful contrast to its more somber moments. Still, as with many tales, the initial magnetism does experience a slight ebb as the story unfolds.

This peculiar film blends satire and drama in a quest to unravel the complexities of faith and the timeless human yearning for acceptance. The film’s bravery shines as it unabashedly questions the paradoxes within religion. It pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of individuals. I never quite knew what to expect from one scene to the next, and that was part of the charm of the film. Without question, this was an indie passion project made by a group of people wanting to get their message out.

The movie exemplifies avant-garde filmmaking. It interweaves profound spiritual reflections with moments of fun and even some memorable one-liners. Themes of religion, societal roles, and individual agency are beautifully portrayed, anchored by a cast who truly embraces their characters and the messages they’re telling.

Peeling back the layers, IRISH CATHOLIC is an anthem urging us to reexamine accepted narratives and traditional norms. It strikes a chord, especially with the Gen X audience, underscoring the dance of personal convictions against external influences.

To summarize, IRISH CATHOLIC is an evocative journey. A profound homage to the legendary Sinead O'Connor, it stands as a beacon, celebrating authenticity in a world that often celebrates pretense. I was impressed by the filmmakers’ willingness to take chances and question the norms we are often expected just to believe.

In the past year alone, a film made it to the “big screen” that was used as a propaganda piece by known conspiracy theorists to spread a message. It’s a beautiful change of pace to see authentic productions like this that have the will to question these “accepted” norms.

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[photo courtesy of KML FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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