Swing Bout

A constantly surprising independent film that can go to toe to toe in any ring with the big shots.

Buyoed by a set of captivating central performances, Swing Bout captures a seedy underbelly of corruption while keeping a clear focus on strong character development and finds a way to make a virtue of a tight budget while still feeling like a momentous fight night.

At times it seems like a roving documentary crew have managed to invade some grimy inner sanctum to lay bear the faults and failures of a system thay brutalises bodies while propping up suits in the background. Strongly recommended.

Two young women boxers await their chance to shine in a competitive, brutal sport, the real stories happening outside the ring. Dealing with her ruthless coach (Sinead O'Riordan), Toni (Ciara Berkeley) paces backstage with an unspoken anxiety that hints at her troubled backstory, while her opponent Vicki (Chrissie Cronin) is pushed to her limits by her father (Johnny Elliot) with a subtle manipulation that hints perhaps at the unfulfillment of his own broken dreams. Accomplished performances bring authenticity to the claustrophobia of the backstage areas where several, interconnecting narratives entwine with growing tension. Shots of dramedy spiral darkly into violent and deceitful actions of opposing brothers in crime (Ben Condron and Frank Prendergast) as ruthless coach Emma plays her own game of manipulation and dishonesty. A visceral exploration by the director (Maurice O'Carroll), SWING BOUT portrays the murkier and male-dominated side of the business, and I was left wanting more from the female characters of Toni and Vicki who both shine from the screen with trajectories of light and dark, bravery and fear, their ambitions at the mercy of the influencers whom control their fates.

This was a Great film well executed. The Cast was brilliantly selected with some fantastic performances throughout the film.

From the 1st minute of the film it had an intense tone which was both immersive and attention catching.

I also found the tension that was built up by the tone of the movie was brilliantly broken by the humour that definitely landed.

The choice of actors used was done perfectly with some break out performances from young actors who really handled their roles well.

The creators did a fantastic job of giving you the feeling you where there.

The tense atmosphere of the movie was felt throughout Great movie.

I was lucky enough to see Swing Bout at a sold out full house at the Dublin International Film Festival. Simply put, the film is excellent. It lit a fire in me, a need to make another film. The passion of everyone involved eminates from the screen.

The writing and directing is sharp and energetic. The performances are captivating and nuanced. The production is extremely polished. Camera, lighting, sound, makeup, all the departments excel at their roles.

The story is universal, making it accessible to all, no matter your background or where you are from. I will be watching this film again and have no doubt the team behind it will continue to thrive and make more and more hits.

Great independent Irish cinema with no agendas, just great storytelling and great characters on a roller coaster of adrenaline. I loved the characters, they felt real and relatable. The plot and sub-plot interweved perfectly and the comedy and drama balance was perfect. Well done to all involved.

When you consider the rubbish that Hollywood is churning out with massive budgets and then when you see what talented passionate people can produce with tiny budgets without the interference of studios and agendas it's clear that allowing directors and producers to be their authentic selves and tell stories they believe in leads to far superior work. It's a pity the industry is so upside down like this, but its refreshing to know that great cinema still exists. Highly recommend.