The Belly of the Whale

Really good little Irish indie film. Interesting characters and great setting. Good story and good acting.

Not a film for people with attention deficiencies. Fans of marvel look elsewhere. Nice to see a credible film for a change.

As a moody, low-budget, small-town, crime drama from Irish society's underside, 2018's "The Belly Of The Whale" was a sound pre-runner to the like-toned (but far superior) "Calm With Horses". Lewis MacDougall's a teen scrote returning to his depressed home-town (years after a dubious tragedy with his dad) where he ends up hanging with older, down-beat Pat Shortt (terrific) with whom he plans (against advice of friends like Lauren Kinsella) to rob sleazy local politician Michael Smiley (wrapped up in his own little mess). Debut writer / director Morgan Bushe does a good job delivering his dark & gritty tale that's no "Calm With Horses", but ain't bad. Fair play.

I caught this in the Irish cinemas. Great cast especially youngster Lewis MacDougall and Michael Smiley, mad story, like no Irish film I've ever seen before. It's a slow burner but it really takes off as the story progresses towards the climax. Really impressive cinematography and sound design. Would definitely recommend if you're interested in seeing an alternative slice of the new wave of Irish cinema.

Recorded this as it looked interesting. This is not an upbeat film, more about a troubled teen returning to a town that feels as though it has been left behind. The backdrop of rural, small town life with little to do and no prospects are well portrayed. A little glimmer of hope as the relationship between the two main leads develops. Worth a watch as it challenges you to make sense of it.