Faces cachées

I didn't expect this film to be so powerful. It's emotionally gripping and intense. It's well worth watching.

Are you ever at home on a Thursday afternoon when you happen upon a story of a woman being convicted of murder after an unintended miscarriage? And then the algorithm reminds you that yet another woman has been killed by a (very nice) man? And then suddenly (or perhaps slowly) you feel the deep, primal rage of thousands of years of women rising up inside of you threatening to escape in a guttural scream of injustice and absurdity to the point you wonder if you could quit your day job and moonlight as one of The Furies?

Then yeah, you've found your movie.

Rose Plays Julie is a masterclass in film making, to say the least. Don't let the one sentence plot summary fool you, Rose Plays Julie defies genres to create an unforgettable and relevant story. The film covers difficult subject matter, and at times is difficult to watch. That being said, topics were handled with respect and did not seem gratuitous.

The use of symbolism and foreshadowing is unparalleled- how they made everything seem so intentional yet not contrived is beyond me. The use of sound is another strength- music that waxes and wanes allows the viewer a glimpse into the mindset of the characters. Favouring reactions over dialogue is a bold choice that absolutely works- when a character finally speaks, you hold your breath to listen. Orla Brady, Ann Skelly and Aidan Gillen are giving the performances of their careers.

All in all, Rose Plays Julie is nuanced, riveting and one of a kind.

Although the theme of this film is so dark and intense that it's impossible to use the words 'I enjoyed it'. Having said that for the bravery of the story, the acting and filming it is worth seeing. I was at the Irish Premiere during the Virgin Dublin International Film Festival at the weekend and was present for the all too brief Q&A afterwards featuring the directors, producer and stars Ann Skelly, Aidan Gillen & Orla Brady. The amount of effort it takes to get a good quality Irish movie made is unreal so get behind this movie, go see it even if it makes you uncomfortable.

Popped along to the cinema to see this as it was only £5. There were six people in there. What a shame because this is excellent! It's a film that keeps you perpetually off balance. The acting is top notch, the score mesmerising and haunting, and everything else about it exudes quality and skill.

The tone and subject matter are dark so don't expect much in the way of jollity, but it is always waiting to thrill you with a look, a frame, an unexpected turn of events. A real treat. I look forward to what the directors do next.