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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL | Last update 18.Mar.26

Abode
Review by Rich Cline | 3/5

dir-scr Liam O Mochain
prd Bernie Grummell, Liam O Mochain
with Liam O Mochain, Mary Murray, Stephen Jones, Rose Henderson, Donncha Crowley, Marion O'Dwyer, Mary McEvoy, Brendan Conroy, Gail Brady, Matthew O'Brien, Jed Murray, Anthony Morris
release Ire 7.Nov.25,
UK 20.Mar.26
25/Ireland 1h21

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With five thematically linked threads, this Irish drama explores what home means for different people. Essentially, each is a short film of its own, connected by a sense of belonging. Accompanied by a jaunty, style-shifting score, actor-filmmaker Liam O Mochain creates a relaxed tone that overcomes what is clearly a low budget. And because they are based on true stories, each strand is able to generate resonant feelings.

In Dublin, Benedict (O Mochain) gives cash to a homeless woman (O'Dwyer) outside his restaurant. Later, she finds an unlocked door and hosts Christmas lunch. Meanwhile, Peggy (McEvoy) defies criticism from her son (O Mochain) about the gentleman (Conroy) she's seeing. Before a meeting, Molly (Henderson) stresses out her husband (Crowley), but she's been waiting 47 years for this. Sam (O'Brien) and Skyler (Brady) buy a smart cooker that has a scary mind of its own. And on a romantic weekend away, Maria (Murray) and Conor (Jones) find that things don't go quite as expected.

Titled with representative graphics, these are stories of open-hearted kindness, rekindled relationships and unexpected connections. Some are deliberately more humorous than others, such as the sinister oven story, which spirals into a pitch-black comedy. And the final segment features a warm relationship that sustains a series of somewhat silly setbacks leading to a nice surprise. Each of the stories has an understated twist in the tale that propels these people in surprising directions.

Because everyone on-screen is played as an everyday person, there's a likeable honesty to the way each of the strands unfolds. The writing and direction may not be terribly complex, but the characters are easy to identify with, which allows us to see strong nuances in the actors' performances. O Mochain pops up as an unrecognisably different character in each tale, as do other cast members. Standouts include Henderson's emotive Molly and O'Dwyer's joyful Carol.

There's nothing terribly deep going on here, but these warmly involving narratives are engaging, funny and sometimes moving. At the centre of each segment is the need to find a safe place to call home. While some strands are goofier than others, the underlying ideas grab hold, even if each story leads to a rather soft landing. O Mochain's aim seems to be to create something thoughtful rather than punch the plot points. And yes, they could perhaps use more of a kick.

themes, language 17.Mar.26

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL