2022 * R * 1h 48m If you're looking for something a bit different, you may enjoy this interesting and unique film. You know you're in for something different right from the start. The film opens in a huge studio. You see a large cottage on the set. The camera pans over to a dimly lit room and moves in on a woman lit by candles. Then you're transported back to Ireland in 1862 during the Great Potato Famine, where you remain until the very end of the movie.
A young girl Anna (Kila Lord Cassidy) has become famous for surviving without eating for several months. She's attracted visitors from far and wide, believing it's a miracle that she's nourished by manna from heaven. A nurse Lib Wright (Florence Pugh) is sent from England along with a Catholic nun Sister Michael (Josie Walker) to observe her and confirm or disprove this mystery. They're assigned to eight-hour shifts to keep a watch on Anna. A journalist Will Byrne (Tom Burke) is also dispatched to cover the story.
As the story progresses, Lib begins to suspect Anna is surreptitiously being fed and forbids her immediate family from visiting her. This causes her health to fail as she gradually begins to starve to death. While this is going on, Lib and Will begin a relationship with each other, both romantically and professionally.
The film is beautifully shot, and there are numerous scenes that look like something right out of a painting. One of the only qualms I have about the film is the soundtrack, if you want to call it that. For the most part, it utilizes bits and pieces of electronica, which don't seem to fit the story at all. There's also a liberal use of strange noises, which do add a bit of mystery to the film. But I probably would have opted for either no music at all or something completely different
The film also features performances by Toby Jones, Cieran Hinds, and David Wilmot.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix.
Your opinion. I really enjoyed it.
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