Written and directed by Portia A. Buckley, co-written by Michael Lindley, a lonely priest’s housekeeper encounters a young Irish girl of exceptional promise. Starring: Bríd Ní Neachtain, Katelyn Rose Downey, Jim Kitson, Aidan O’Hare and Noelle Brown.
The strengths and quality of Portia A. Buckley’s direction in Clodagh are apparent from the opening scene. Without a single word, Buckley introduces us to Mrs. Kelly (Bríd Ní Neachtain) and tells everything we need to know about her character. As the camera follows her, you can feel all those themes of loneliness, servitude, underappreciation and lost youth blossoming. They fill the atmosphere with an air that’s sad yet curious, as we wait for what’s to come. Then as Clodagh (Katelyn Rose Downey) arrives, the tone completely evolves.
Buckley and Michael Lindley still manage to hold onto all of those original emotions, but they add in a sense of wonder and excitement. Those then become a conflict and to watch as Mrs. Kelly tries to resolve that clash is compelling. They do so well to capture that idea of living a quiet, simple life because you never thought you could have, or were given, the opportunity to reach beyond that. The tone is wholesome and sincere and Buckley does a wonderful job of matching and expanding that with the direction.
It’s intimate, yet peppers Clodagh with these wonderful landscape shots which help to further its depth. There’s a clean feel to its aesthetic, its colours are sharp and rich while never straying from the everyday, allowing it to also create a thoughtful warmth. Buckley brings in an essence of youth and reflection, one that works very well with how it explores generational conservatism. It has a subtle and absorbing way of delving into that need for change and flexibility.
None of which would be as enthralling without the performance from Bríd Ní Neachtain. How she portrays Mrs. Kelly’s struggle to negotiate embracing hope and breaking from the chains of her past, in such an understated style is excellent. She adds in those sparks of enthusiasm behind her eyes and allows them to grow.
If it were real life, it wouldn’t be difficult because Katelyn Rose Downey is such a sweet, invigorating and energetic presence, as well as being entirely humble, and a phenomenal dancer. Then Jim Kitson helps to add in a little bit of comedy which is a great addition.
Clodagh is the type of film that genuinely warms your heart. It’s thoughtful, wholesome, sweet and touching. Portia A. Buckley’s directorial style is brilliant, the writing from Buckley and Michael Lindley is compelling with a touch of comedy and the performances are terrific. It’s a lovely way to spend sixteen-minutes.
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