Set in the bleak and beautiful wilds of Connemara, Foscadh tells the story of an unworldly recluse, 28-year-old John Cunliffe who is suddenly propelled into manhood when his over-protective parents pass away. When he inherits an important stretch of land and a decent-sized house he attracts the attentions of a ruthless local property developer and a beer-swilling layabout who takes up residence on the sofa. His greatest challenge comes when he must navigate the choppy waters of romance when his new-found wealth sparks the interest of an attractive young nurse, Siobhán (Fionnuala Flaherty). Seán Breathnach’s feature debut, adapted from Donal Ryan’s novel The Thing About December, is a timely meditation on land, on masculinity and vulnerability and on the crippling emotional illiteracy that can result from rural isolation. It is served well by a subtle and complex central performance from Dónall O Héalai (Arracht).

Foscadh is Ireland’s Official Entry into the 2022 Best International Feature Oscars.

Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn