The fine Irish film that leaves you shook - Kathleen Is Here joins Rosie, Michael Inside, What Richard Did, and others on that particular list as another young life spins out of control. In her feature debut as a writer-director, Bad Sisters star Eva Birthistle shows she has the chops, and the day may come when she spends more time on this side of the lens than the other.
The latest close-up of small-town Ireland sees Hazel Doupe excel as the outsider looking in, reprising the role she played in Birthistle's first short. Having grown up in care, Kathleen has just turned 18 and now finds herself back in her late mother's house. Home doesn't come into it.
She gets a job and befriends her new neighbour, Joy (Clare Dunne), but things are never right from the off - and become darker by the day.
Twenty years ago, Birthistle had a formative experience working with Ken Loach on the romantic drama Ae Fond Kiss, and you can see the British master's influence on the social realism she has brought to the screen. But there's more here besides. Pouring psychological trauma and suspense into the mix, Kathleen Is Here also brings to mind the Robin Williams-starring One Hour Photo and, oddly enough, Joker. As in those films, the chances to catch someone in freefall are missed because people turn away or don't know what to do. Throughout, you ask yourself if you'd be any better - and dread what's going to happen next.
Kathleen Is Here ranks among the most compelling domestic offerings of 2024, the well-told small story that asks a lot of big questions. Birthistle and Doupe are a formidable duo. They need to work together again as soon as possible and, indeed, catch up with Kathleen a few years down the line. You'll want to know what happens to her next - guaranteed.
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