Glassland

Here is an engaging, well-told story about addiction and the relationship between mother and son. Sounds melodramatic, and in aspects it could be, but it never feels like such a film. The whole thing is fully realized, very well-written, with a clear, true eye for the characters and who they are. The two leads are fantastic, especially Jack Reynor who I was previously impressed by in What Richard Did. He's a true leading actor, and he has proved to have the talent to really dive into raw, strong material. The film would be worth it just for him, but all of the actors are committed. This is definitely very recommended for all filmgoers.

This film depicting the dark side of life is affecting and well made, with some really strong performances. Toni Collete doesn't have a massive amount of dialogue but her performance is multi faceted and I really believed in it. Jack Reynor also puts in a good turn, certainly more than in Midsommer where I wasnt convinced by him. The film grows as time goes on and I found the second half built nicely, albeit slowly. The end was ambigous but reasonably effective. Overall, if you like gritty, realistic British dramas in the Ken Loach mode, this is worth a watch.

I bought this movie on DVD on Amazon UK a few weeks ago and I have no regrets ! It's a small but pretty impressive indie from Ireland with top-notch acting. Will Poulter is funny and believably boy-next-door, his accent flawless; Michael Smiley brings hard-won compassion as an alcohol counselor and the always magnificent Toni Collette gives once again a splendid performance. But this is Reynor's film and he holds the screen like a pro – always thinking, tapping, twitching with silent fury. John's a good guy but he looks like he wants to kill someone. That no such eruptions occur makes Glassland's power all the more remarkable. Well done.A must see.

12/8/17. This was actually a very good portrayal about what alcoholism does to a family. Reynor does a phenomenal job as the young adult son of Toni Collette's alcoholic mother at the verge of dying because of her excesses with drink. This is the first time I have seen such a sensitive portrayal about a son who is torn apart by having to be a caretaker of a parent with a severe substance abuse disorder. You can feel his pain as he dutifully does all he can to try and save his mother from herself. While totally depressing, this movie is worth watching to remind us that when people have a substance use disorder, they are not the only one in pain, it affects EVERYONE around them. Also, a good portrayal of those who provide services to these people and their families.

Glassland is both a love story without sex, and a crime story without violence—a decided anomaly among just about every other film about life in an Irish slum. The love is between an overworked cabdriver named John (Jack Reynor) and Jean (Toni Collette), his alcoholic mother. As Jean drinks herself closer and closer to the grave, John's desperation to get his mother into a rehabilitation clinic despite their poverty leads him to question his own moral boundaries. Glassland is a melancholy, understated look at the combination of poverty and self-destruction that is so common in our society. Collette delivers a performance that jumps back and forth between snarling addict and penitent matriarch, and Reynor captures the pain and frustration of seeing a loved one spiral out of control. Despite the powerful performances by the film's actors, the film suffers from pacing issues that occasionally derail the film's momentum and muddle the narrative. Regardless, Glassland is a refreshingly modest take on issues that are typically addressed with more gratuitous filmmaking. –Alex Springer