The Dig

Watched this at Galway. Competant cinematography and good Irish cast who try their best in a film that really hasn't got much going on. Unfortunately no amount of slow-mo montages or forced dramatic moments can get around the fact that the story is weak. It's only around 90 minutes but feels much longer and the ending is just silly.

The Dig: This film deserves to be seen as Folk Horror due to how a Fairy Tree in a circle of stones influence the progression of its narrative. Ronan (Moe Dunford) returns to a dilapidated farmhouse which is adjacent to bogland. A man is digging on the bog, sections staked out with flags. Seán (Lorcan Cranitch) is searching for his lost daughter, Ronan recently released from prison was convicted of her murder. At first the two clash violently but Ronan joins in the dig as he has no memory of the night of the murder due to being drunk. Seán's daughter Roberta (Emily Taafe) also reluctantly accepts Ronan's presence, they had once been friends and perhaps more. But the relationship between the three is an ongoing rollercoaster of emotions. There is also violence from locals and the local police chief Murphy (Francis Magee).



This film seems to be set in the border counties of Ireland, yet it is a not-Ireland, neither North or South. Murphy, heavily bearded, always in rough plain clothes, a pistol at his hip, is more like a Sheriff. Maintaining the law with his boots, fists and a gun when necessary. A Beckettian Bog Western where the participants wallow in the mud searching for something which might not even be there. Seán makes a drink with berries picked from the Fairy Tree in the belief that it will restore his memory. Ronan accepts the elixir, sharing Seán's faith in the old ways. The Fairy Trr and the surrounding land is very much hallowed ground in this peasant society. Dark secrets in many senses are uncovered as the film progresses.

Directors: Andy and Ryan Tohill, working from a screenplay by Stuart Drennan have delivered a dark gem, The Field for the 21st Century. 8.5/10.

Ronan Callahan (Moe Dunford) returns home after serving 15 years for the murder of his girlfriend. He finds her father Sean McKenna (Lorcan Cranitch) digging up his land looking for her missing body. Her sister Roberta McKenna (Emily Taaffe) struggles to get her father home. Ronan has no memory of that night due to his drinking. He cannot get rid of her father and decides to join his dig. Murphy (Francis Magee) is the family friend policeman who continues to harass Ronan.

This is quite a story concept. For a long time, I wasn't sure about the Roberta character or even the need for her. For most of this movie, I find her a distraction until the last part where it all makes sense. This Northern Ireland indie has some great actors. Despite only recognizing Magee, the actors are doing great work.

I enjoyed this but it wasn't hugely entertaining for someone outside of the Art House circle. The acting was quite good. The shots were lovely and bleak which worked well for the film's story which is bleak. The plot has some issues but that is only if you think about it too much, as with so many films. Overall, it is worth a watch.

Nice to see Irish films like this. Interesting plot and acting was quite good. The film is slow but if you allow yourself to go with it it is a very pleasant experience. Good Irish film.