Clodagh

A simple yet captivating story of internal conflict from a devout Roman Catholic house keeper Mrs Kelly (Bríd Ní Neachtain) who is torn between Joy and Responsibility.

During this short film you forget many things including the small cast, the lack of dialogue for much of the film and the fact that it isn't in the preferred widescreen format. That is due to the pace at which the viewer is pulled through the story. The energy culminates with an impressive dance scene from Clodagh (Katelyn Rose Downey). Like the highs of a drug once the dance scene is complete Mrs Kelly is left alone contemplating her beliefs and principles for the remainder of the film and a conclusion that makes the viewer yearn for more.

Beautifully written (Michael Lindley & Portia A. Buckley) and directed (Portia A. Buckley) the film is only enhanced by the beautiful cinematography of Jomo Fray which captures the solemnity, quietness and isolated nature of a rural Irish priest's housekeeper.

Greetings again from the darkness. No dialogue is spoken for the first two minutes, which is significant when you note this is a 16-minute Short Film. That first couple of minutes features Mrs. Kelly (Brid Ni Neachtain, THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN, 2022) diligently going about her business as housekeeper and assistant for a rural Irish priest. As she polishes shoes, vacuums the church, and scrubs the tub, it's clear Mrs. Kelly is a woman of faith and structure.

Though we are a bit surprised to learn Mrs. Kelly also runs a dance school, it's no shock when she initially blocks a new student from entering the class since the proper paperwork hasn't been completed. "We'll have no Dallas, Texas here", Mrs. Kelly sternly informs the young girl as she wipes away the glitter make-up. This new student is Clodagh (Katelyn Rose Downey, THE NUN II, 2023), and she unwittingly awakens something in both Mrs. Kelly and her fiddle player, Mr. Hickey (Jim Kitson).

This is the fourth short film from writer-director Portia A Buckley, and the script is co-written by Michael Lindley (TWIST, 2021). The film expertly sets up the internal conflict that plays out as commitment and dedication versus inspiration and passion. This little gem is making the festival rounds, including Tribeca in June 2004.

Portia Alen-Buckley and Michael Lindsey's short film packs much into its brief sixteen minutes. When parochial housekeeper (and local dance teacher) Mrs. Kelly - Brid Ni Neachtain - encounters prodigy Clodagh - Katelyn Rose Downey, she confronts a moral dilemma. Mrs. Kelly's internal struggle - so reminiscent of the kind of small struggles we all face - gives weight to this simply constructed drama. While Neachtain's controlled performance carries the piece, young Downey's superb dance scene gives meaning to her moral dilemma. Superb cinematography by Jomo Fray makes for a truly memorable film.

The cinematography is so beautiful that you forget there is no dialogue for the opening scenes. Each scene makes you feel further drawn in to this small pocket of the world, and a part of this community. The narrative is delightful - it is sweet, dramatic, humorous and entertaining. The actors are so talented, especially the young protagonist who was made for this role. I found this to be an absolute 10/10 must watch, and very worthy of all the critical acclaim it is getting on a global stage! I'm excited to see what these filmmakers have in store next and I'm hoping there is a feature of this short coming as I want more!