Film Review - Irish Angel (2024)

Not going down the traditional path of teen pregnancy dilemmas, An Irish Angel, sits elegantly whimsical largely due to interesting lead, unearthed relative newcomer, enchanting Niamh James, as Aine.

What to expect when you’re expecting creates higher anxiety, in particular if the mum is an adolescent.
The unique resilient nature of Aine is strong as the turbulent world around her and certain individuals within a seaside small town where everyone knows everything about each other make things difficult.

The coming of age aspects are interjected by an array of subplots including her friend and family, whilst being part of the school play provides distraction under the navigation of life through sparkling drama teacher Ellie (Jaime Winstone).

At home for Aine is equally as detrimental with her lovingly overaring mum Margaret (Amanda Doherty) and unwell granny Agnes (Kathy Deehan) capturing family bonds in a time of need with tactical care from the heart.

Irish charm and speculative weirdness mix well with an aimable all round cast shifting well with the lightness of it all to begin with to a more dispiriting outcome for Aine.

There’s dream sequences of religious overtones piecing together narrative further affecting this adverse teen drama to rise above averagely cliched to somewhat unpredictable. A journey of life and navigating strength to proceed

Always a pleasure to see glorious external locations used to cinematic effect. Shot by Craig Porter, scenes along the Irish are wonderful with actors out amongst it in the windy elements al-a-natural.

A Bond villain in my favourite 007 film, For your Eyes Only (1981) and a intrepid King opposite John Goodman in underrated classic comedy King Ralph (1991) among many other highlights

Close to 90 years old, Julian Glover makes a surprise appearance as a preacher who’s seen it all and has absolute understanding of the youth around town, in particular the plights of Aine.

Speaking of making an impression, always fabulous in more ways than one Jaime Winstone, daughter of the great Ray Winstone, provided counterbalance to teen chaos and recently seen as lead of tech thriller, Control, Lauren Metcalf is amazing in a minor role.

Quite unanimously in my mind, Ania Lee Lyes as lifelong friend Corinna, alongside fellow talented novice Niamh James, are assured of a long prosperous career ahead alleviating sheen and enjoyment of, An Irish Angel.