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The exhilarating, Bible-inspired, pitch-black comedy “Redemption of a Rogue” centers on a prodigal son returning to his rural Ireland hometown to seek redemption for his sins. Based on this ambitious, sardonic feature debut, writer-director Philip Doherty (who is also a playwright and theater director) scores as a promising talent, one who might be the spiritual heir of Anglo-Irish filmmaking brothers Martin and John Michael McDonagh or even the Coen brothers. Certainly, Doherty displays winning confidence, visual imagination and stylistic bravura as he elevates a witty but foul-mouthed village comedy into something more provocative and universal. And he orchestrates the whole confection as a sort of blues opera, with on-screen musical artists providing beguiling songs that comment on the action.

It’s been seven years since Jimmy Cullen (Aaron Monaghan) set foot in (the fictional) Ballylough, a godforsaken spot of near-perpetual rain. Back then, he departed in disgrace, leaving behind...

Philip Doherty’s black comedy about a prodigal son returning to his hometown for a funeral goes big on self-satirising absurdism

This chucklesome black comedy is a little meandering and prone to repeat the same comedy beats ad infinitum, like having characters react with deadpan nonchalance to outrageous statements as if nothing’s too quirky in this small Irish town. For instance, the lead character, prodigal son Jimmy Cullen walks into an ironmonger’s and asks for a rope. The shop owner asks how thick a rope he wants, reels off the items of different diameter they stock. He asks Jimmy what he needs it for; when told it’s to commit suicide with, inserts a beat, a look straight in the eye and says: “Then I suggest you go for the 14 mill. It’s good and strong.”

Indeed, Redemption of a Rogue is basically a series of little setups...

"Love is the only thing that can heal, Jimmy." Wildcard Distribution has unveiled an official trailer for an acclaimed, award-winning Irish film titled Redemption of a Rogue, opening in the UK in August. It won the Best Irish Film award at the Galway Film Fleadh last year. Described as a "bible, black comedy [musical] about a prodigal son returning to his hometown to seek salvation for his sins." Redemption of a Rogue follows Jimmy, played by Aaron Monaghan, on his road to redemption after returning to his hometown of Cavan. Stuck in a Groundhog Day-like purgatory, Jimmy embarks on a sacrificial and outlandish journey to rid himself of his guilt and shame from the past, ultimately redeeming himself through love. This also stars Aisling O'Mara, Kieran Roche, Liz Fitzgibbon, Kevin McGahern, & Pat McCabe. Looks like a great discovery and very clever take on redemption. Worth a watch - hopefully this will get a US release soon,...

Seemingly never-ending rain and themes of regret are met with a dark humour that is laced throughout Redemption of a Rogue. An array of interesting ideas mixed with comedy, however, is not enough to redeem this film.

Irish playwright, Philip Doherty, is on double-duty as both writer and director in what is a surreal premise with hints of Groundhog Day to it. Though, in the interest of full disclosure there is no cameo from Punxsutawney Phil. Instead we do see the appearance of the Holy Mother herself, the Virgin Mary. This gives you a pretty good flavour of the film.

We follow Jimmy (Aaron Monaghan) who returns to his hometown of Ballbough to make amends after fleeing where we see a number of flashbacks giving us an insight into his past indiscretions. What is striking and weirdly funny in equal measure is that said flashbacks feature Jimmy as his present-day self.

"A tale of great deluge falls into my mind... a tale from the gutter." WildCard in the UK has released the first teaser trailer for the film Redemption of a Rogue, a "dark comedy musical" from Ireland. This film just premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh this month and won the top prizes at the festival - Best Irish Film and Best Irish First Feature. Redemption of a Rogue follows Jimmy, played by Aaron Monaghan, on his road to redemption after returning to his hometown of Cavan. Stuck in a Groundhog Day-like purgatory, Jimmy embarks on a sacrificial and outlandish journey to rid himself of his guilt and shame from the past, ultimately redeeming himself through love. And lots of beer, too? This also stars Aisling O'Mara, Kieran Roche, Liz Fitzgibbon, Kevin McGahern, and Pat McCabe. A great teaser for an award-winning film. Here's the first official teaser trailer for...