Christy is a realistic, heart-warming picture about growing up in modern-day Ireland. The story follows its titular character (Danny Power, Bring Them Down, The Young Offenders), just after he has been thrown out of his foster home and is forced to move back in with his brother, Shane (Diarmuid Noyes, Double Blind, Good Vibrations). He finds a supportive circle of fellow children and teenagers in his small town in County Cork. However, he is eventually compelled to choose between his new life and figures from his past who want him to embrace his more self-destructive tendencies.
The film is excellently acted, with Power and Noyes being the two standout performances. Effectively, they portray the brothers’ relationship as one tinged with affection and frustration, and which serves as the heart of the film. The supporting cast is stellar, with the child actors who make up Christy’s friend group stealing more than one scene for themselves. A special mention must be given to Emma Willis, (Vikings, Overshadowed) who plays Shane’s wife, Stacey. The scenes between them are some of the best in the film and give compelling insights into their relationship.
The picture also has some great comedic scenes, particularly those with Jamie Forde’s character, Robot, who had the audience laughing throughout. The story is well-paced and does a good job at building up its more threatening elements as it moves toward the third act. I was glued to my seat the whole time and expected the worst at one point. However, an unexpected left turn had me relieved when it came.
Christy is a feel-good film which manages to possess plenty of edge. It masterfully balances its tone, with a lot of heart but not falling into being saccharine and toothless, like a lot of other coming-of-age movies.
“Grass Field” by Jesse Gardner is marked with CC0 1.0.