A film every Irish person should watch

Tackling the current homeless crisis in Ireland, specifically in the capital city of Dublin, Rosie is as relevant and timely a film as you're ever likely to see. Directed by Paddy Breathnach (I Went Down; Shrooms; Viva), and written by Roddy Doyle (The Commitments; The Snapper; Family) in his first feature since When Brendan Met Trudy (2000), the film is an intimate character drama rather than an angry piece of protest cinema. Not concerned with pointing fingers at who may be responsible for this situation, examining why it is getting worse rather than better, engaging with the economic complexities, or analysing the wider socio-political implications, Doyle is instead more interested in imparting to the audience that homelessness could happen to almost anyone. Rather than evoke ire, he wants to evoke empathy, something that is, sadly, often lacking in our inured social media-obsessed society. Unfortunately, the lack of major stars, the almost non-existent advertising campaign, and the grim subject matter will hamper its commercial prospects, and whilst I'd love to say this is going to be the Irish equivalent of Ken Loach's Cathy Come Home (1966), enacting change on a grand scale, the chances are it will pass from cinema screens without much of an impact. Whatever the case though, irrespective of its commercial achievements, or lack thereof, Rosie is an exceptionally well made film.

For my complete review, please visit: https://boxd.it/xLL3d