-Written by Kyle Bain.
2024 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
Mrs. Kelly (Bríd Ní Neachtain) runs a dance school at the church, and she has for years. Though, for the first time in her long tenure she’s encountered a young girl, Clodagh (Katelyn Rose Downey), with the potential to be a champion. Mrs. Kelly now questions her own system of beliefs as she must determine how to deal with the exceptional young lady.
Director of Photography Jomo Fray and Director Portia A. Buckley craft some triumphant shots that capture the tone of the film, and quickly reel viewers in. As Clodagh is first introduced she lingers in the background, in frame, but blurred by the distance between her and Mrs. Kelly. As Clodagh walks slowly toward the camera the focus shifts and Clodagh’s face is illuminated, and her vibrant eyes take over the screen. We meet Clodagh for the first time in epic fashion, and Clodagh quickly tells us what we are in for in regard to this young girl. There are instances of this strewn throughout the film, but this is the most prevalent, most enticing example of the captivating cinematography.
Interesting enough, however, it’s not Clodagh that’s the focus of Clodagh, but rather Mrs. Kelly. Clodagh is the catalyst for just about everything that transpires in the film, but it’s ultimately Mrs. Kelly that leads this film and helps to develop emotion. And an emotional film it is. Clodagh is ultimately about human connection and the effect that it can have on us, regardless of the stage of life we’re in. This young girl, no more than thirteen years old, has a profound effect on an elderly woman that has seemingly seen it all–and that’s an honest reflection of the world in which we live. We all affect one another, the smallest act can change someone’s life–and Neachtain, as Mrs. Kelly, carries that sentiment well throughout the course of Clodagh.
I’m not one to focus on song and dance, particularly when it comes to film. I’m a fan of cinema, and song and dance can often make me uncomfortable–as I’m never really sure how to react to those art forms. However, Clodagh presents viewers with brilliant choreography. The pairing of Clodagh’s dancing with the vibrant and electrifying sounds of Mr. Hickey’s (Jim Kitson) violin takes over the film. The sounds fill the screen, but that’s a result of the timing between the two characters and their respective artforms. As beautiful as the rest of Clodagh is, the sounds that emanate from the screen are what steal the show. They captivate viewers like nothing else is capable.
There are a plethora of ways in which Clodagh could have gone, but it finds itself presenting a touching story full of passion and emotion. With Neachtain leading the way, and Downey being a brilliant catalyst for emotion, Clodagh shines brightly through its dark, dusky setting–presenting something touching and honest.
Directed by Portia A. Buckley.
Written by Michael Lindley & Portia A. Buckley.
Starring Bríd Ní Neachtain, Katelyn Rose Downey, Jim Kitson, Tom Lawlor, Noelle Brown, Aidan O’Hare, etc.
8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
