God's Creatures

A movie I found hard to rate. There are things I liked a lot in it.

The atmosphere of the small Irish fishing community, all grey skies, dour faces, dramatic waves crashing to the shore. Yeah, I'm a sucker for that.

The actors were very strong, as you can imagine with Emily Watson and Paul Mescal leading your cast. There's a very interesting story told here, about just how far a mother's love can go. Mescal is a never do well, but in the eyes of Watson he's the bees knees. Until something happens that even she can't deny.

It's a very interesting story, something I've not seen a lot in other movies. And yet... I was so disappointed by the way it was all handled. Sometimes a movie can be too subtle. I felt some important scenes were left on the cutting room floor. I needed more closure, some dramatic fits, anything really!

I know subtlety is a good thing and not everything needs to be spelled out...but you gotta give us something!

If A24 wasn't behind this film I doubt I would of checked it out. I like a lot of their films but this was a waste of time. It had the elements to be great, but unfortunately it missed the mark. It starts out ok and there's an erie vibe throughout the film. But when it was all said and done, nothing happens. It had a few good scenes here and there and the score helps carry the film. But it was missing any sort of intensity. The only reason I would suggest watching this film is if you can't sleep. It was like visual melatonin. Other then that, it's not a film I'd recommend or watch again. Don't make the mistake I made and be fooled by the A24 logo, watch something else. Basic 5 stars.

Emily Watson should be your sole reason to see this movie. You feel her in every moment she's on screen A masterclass in acting.

Paul mescal once again gives a brooding performance as her angry/repressed son.

The movie presents the idea of choices one makes when faced with a difficult scenario.

Do you put on a mask and protect a loved one, Even though your instincts say otherwise?

Or do you finally accept their true nature and do what is right or in her case, What's necessary, when they are immune to consequences.

It's a slow burn. I feel it could've been stronger in the script department and more depth on character motivations, perhaps a bit more detail on what may or may not have happened. The way Last Duel handled that subject matter.

The dad son conflict is sort of there. A fight happens and then oh well next.

Wonderfully dark and moody though . Good for a rainy afternoon/evening.

In dark, slow-burn Irish drama "God's Creatures" Paul Mescal returns from years in Australia to his fishing village home & family inc overjoyed ma Emily Watson (always solid), stoic da Declan Conlon & feisty sis Toni O'Rourke. But when Mescal's one-time gf Aisling Franciosi (good) accuses him of rape, and Watson lies to provide an alibi to get him off, a shadow falls over them all. Written (by Shane Crowley) & directed (by Saela Davis & Anna Rose Holmer) in deliberately & appropriately moody style it's evocative work, portraying a community & values seemingly of a different time & place to our own. While no adrenaline pumper, it's fine drama for those in the mood.

I suppose, correct is the honest definition of this film. A film about two worlds, so differrent and, in some measure, painful familiar.

A provocative subject explored in honest terms.

And beautiful work of Emily Watson, proposing a powerful, moving portrait of Aileen, a Paul Mescal interesting for the manner to be out the images created in Normal People and Aftersun, the seductive effort of Aisling Franciosi to explore, in subtle - precise manner, the universe of Sarah - the scene of Sarah front to her door , with so powerful Rennaisence touch is just magnificent -.

In short, one of familiar stories near us. A son and his abusive gesture , blamed by laws. A mother front to the option to help him , including for status of prodigal son. Beautiful images, correct exploration of dilemma and the perfect , in this case, for this subject, slow rhytm. And the fair end.

In many senses, a question - film to the audience. Great acting, nice music and a simple way to build the subjective truth, in many cases- situations, the only significant one.

In short, fair work. Emilz Watson.