Review of The Quiet Girl (2022) by Bertobellamy — 25 Aug 2023

With remarkable minimalism, 'The Quiet Girl' captures the innocence, curiosity, and the need to feel loved inherent in childhood. Director Colm Bairéad encloses in his images of everyday life a deep sadness but also the hope that everything can be better.

Through the experiences of a girl who discovers a new life when she is sent to live with distant relatives after being neglected by her own family, the Irish director immerses us into the bowels of his country (the movie is in Gaelic) to conceive a story of kindness and second chances to be happy.

Catherine Clinch is an incredible discovery; her voice, which seems to always be on the verge of breaking, contains absolute melancholy. The young actress feels natural and convincing from start to finish.

The film has some things in common with 'Love According to Dalva' (also recently released in Mexico). Although what happens to each main character is very different, both find in a new "family" an unprecedented world full of surprises and genuine love.

The final shot is probably the most heartbreaking in years. Unmissable.