Silence Speaks Louder

Read Time:3 Minute, 50 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Calf
–

Genre: Drama, Horror, Short
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 14m
Director(s): Jamie O’Rourke
Writer(s): Jamie O’Rourke
Cast: Isabelle Connolly, Kate Nic Chonaonaigh, Stephen Hogan
Where To Watch: shown at various film festivals

RAVING REVIEW: From the very first scene, CALF ensnares its audience, drawing them into a bleak Irish landscape that becomes a canvas for a tale of secrecy and impending doom. Jamie O'Rourke, the film's writer/director, charts the emotional territory of a family enshrouded in mystery after tragedy strikes. The protagonist, Cáit (Isabelle Connolly,) is enveloped in a profound silence that reverberates through the rolling hills of her farm, with each scene ramping up the sense of dread and pulling the viewer further into the unsettling quiet that dominates this seemingly simple existence.

The setting of CALF somehow manages to be a character itself, with the stark, windswept farm mirroring the inner desolation of its inhabitants. As the plot expands, Cáit, played with an impressive subtlety by Connolly, stumbles upon a family secret that sets off a bewildering chain of events. This confusion fuels the narrative, maintaining a tight grip on the tension and propelling viewers to decipher the psychological enigma at the story's heart.

O'Rourke proves masterful at pacing the revelation of the film's more profound mysteries, keeping the suspense simmering and the audience firmly on the edge of their seats. The film delves into the silent struggles and suppressed fears that ripple through Cáit’s family, elevating domestic tensions to a pitch that resonates with universal themes of dread and anxiety. That’s one hell of a build-up in a 14-minute runtime!

The calf in CALF stands as a potent symbol woven into the film’s exploration of life and mortality. It casts a long, foreboding shadow over the narrative, anchoring the themes O'Rourke aims to explore. The film's cinematography is nothing short of spellbinding, capturing the haunting landscapes that perfectly echo the film’s somber tone. Complementing this is a meticulously curated score that amplifies the film's atmosphere, enriching the sense of what’s yet to come.

At its core, CALF tackles the delicate issue of abuse with a sensitive yet unflinching approach. It portrays the significant impact of such dynamics through the nuanced relationships between Cáit and her parents, encouraging viewers to look beyond the surface and into the complexities of family bonds often concealed by the facade of daily life.

The performances are particularly noteworthy. Connolly brings a depth of emotion to Cáit that is both haunting and profound. Her interplay with Kate Nic Chonaonaigh, as Aine, her mother, adds layers to the film’s rich exploration of complex family dynamics.

As CALF builds to its climax, the tension culminates in a disturbing and cathartic resolution. The film’s deliberate pacing and element of ambiguity might challenge some viewers, but these are the very aspects that make CALF such a compelling watch. It demands attention and contemplation, rewarding viewers with a deep, albeit unsettling, cinematic experience.

CALF portrays dark human themes and the intricate ties that bind life. O'Rourke crafts an immersive narrative that captivates viewers and compels them to confront the uncomfortable silences and secrets that define their lives. It's a cinematic journey that invites deep reflection and resonates long after the credits roll.

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[photo courtesy of VIRGIN MEDIA, SCREEN IRELAND]

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