Hard-Hitting Themes of Trauma and Addiction

Read Time:4 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Black Guelph
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 2h
Director(s): John Connors
Writer(s): John Connors, Tiernan Williams
Cast: Graham Earley, Paul Roe, Tony Doyle, Denise McCormack, Lauren Larkin
Where To Where To Watch: premieres June 30, 2023, at Dances with Film; tickets available here www.danceswithfilms.com; learn more here www.clusterfoxfilms.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE BLACK GUELPH, the creation of director John Connors, is an intricate tapestry of dramatic storytelling. Skillfully marrying the symbolism of Dante's Inferno with the historical context of politically volatile 14th-century Florence and modern-day Ireland, Connors fashions a narrative as profound as it is poignant. As viewers, we are pulled into an emotional rollercoaster that traverses the echoes of human suffering and resilience. There aren’t many English-speaking films that I would recommend subtitles for (even though I watch everything I can with subtitles), but this would join the ranks of 1972s THE HARDER THEY COME as a film if you have the option. The movie is full of solid but thick Irish accents that people would benefit from seeing subtitles to clarify.

RAVING REVIEW: THE BLACK GUELPH, the creation of director John Connors, is an intricate tapestry of dramatic storytelling. Skillfully marrying the symbolism of Dante's Inferno with the historical context of politically volatile 14th-century Florence and modern-day Ireland, Connors fashions a narrative as profound as it is poignant. As viewers, we are pulled into an emotional rollercoaster that traverses the echoes of human suffering and resilience. There aren’t many English-speaking films that I would recommend subtitles for (even though I watch everything I can with subtitles), but this would join the ranks of 1972s THE HARDER THEY COME as a film if you have the option. The movie is full of solid but thick Irish accents that people would benefit from seeing subtitles to clarify.

Our journey through this narrative starts with the character of Canto, brought to life by Graham Earley. Canto is a tormented individual grappling with the seedy underbelly of drug trafficking. As he knows, his world collapses when Leah, his weary partner, and mother to their daughter Rachel, shows him the door. This emotional upheaval propels Canto into a self-reflective journey back into his past and, more precisely, into the arms of his estranged father, Dan, a role that Paul Roe pours life into with his heart-rending performance.

Our attention is then captured by an equally gripping subplot, seamlessly woven into the central narrative, revolving around sexual abuse that lurks ominously beneath the storyline. It is an unsettling reminder of Dante's Inferno's seventh Terrace of Lust. A heinous act committed against a child by a clergy member ignites a domino effect of violence, dread, and emotional turmoil that irrevocably binds father and son in a tumultuous battle against their haunting past.

An essential character in this emotional whirlwind is Beatrice, the mother of Virgil, played with raw authenticity by Denise McCormack. As Beatrice, a woman entrenched in the quicksand of addiction, searches desperately for a way out, her bond with Dan grows stronger amidst the stormy seas of mutual dependence. Providing a beacon of hope amidst this turmoil is Leah, portrayed by Lauren Larkin, a paragon of strength and moral uprightness, tirelessly working to protect her children from the corrosive presence of Canto.

Connors directorial prowess shines in handling hard-hitting themes such as trauma, addiction, and domestic violence, clearly impacted by personal experiences and a deep sensitivity to this story. The movie offers a critical lens into the damaging impacts of re-education programs that targeted Irish travelers and working-class communities, drawing attention to the generational trauma and loss of cultural identity.

THE BLACK GUELPH beckons viewers to reflect on the human spirit's incredible resilience and our perpetual war between good and evil. It's a deeply emotional journey into societal norms, childhood trauma's long-lasting effects, and toxic masculinity's destructive consequences. It's a thought-provoking testament to the complexities of human nature and our ability to rise from the ashes.

While the film delves deep into the labyrinth of its characters' struggles, a critique would be the pacing and balance between the central plot and subplots. More emphasis on the rhythm and plot interplay could have heightened the viewer's experience. Nevertheless, the emotional resonance, authentic performances, and insightful themes render THE BLACK GUELPH a standout piece in contemporary Irish cinema. It's a cinematic narrative that resonates long after the closing scene, prompting us to ponder, engage, and appreciate the power of storytelling.

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[photo courtesy of CLUSTER FOX FILMS]