Ballywalter

Eileen (Seána Kerslake) is an assertive, clever woman prone to catastrophic lapses of judgement who takes on regular cab fare Shane (Patrick Kielty) a man trying to look forward through a stand-up comedy course after a devastating period in his life.

What transpires is a beautiful film that hovers around the kitchen sink sub-genre being part set in Eileen’s home, living with her mother and sister – who is heavily pregnant. Both resent her presence having squandered her opportunity in London and now reduced to working as a cab driver and a very rude barista.

Shane meanwhile has moved to Ballywater though once a week travels to Belfast for his comedy course. It’s through these journeys that the characters are gradually defined and a friendship develops.

Directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah, written by Stacey Gregg this is a funny, touching and moving film that uses the dramatic landscapes of Northen Ireland, as well as the grimier city streets as backdrops for two very personal stories and troubled souls.

Shane wracked with guilt, estranged from his wife and daughter, while Eileen outwardly strong, masking a fragility that has her teetering on an alcoholic abyss. They relate and engage; fielding each other’s questions and assertions with honesty and frustrations. These are mostly set within the confines of the car though a couple of times they venture out.

Kielty (in his debut film) and Kerslake don’t miss a beat; in tune with their characters and with the people they are dealing with. These are layered performances that understand the complexities of their characters, shortcomings and all.

Ballywalter however is by no means a two hander, with uniformly excellent performances from the entire cast, who are gifted some excellent lines from Gregg regardless of the size of the role.

What also must be mentioned is the wonderful score by Niall Lawlor whose acoustic folky tones perfectly complement the hues of the town, city and countryside of Northern Ireland as the pair drive through them.

Ballywalter will be in UK cinemas from 22 September 2023