The movie of this title was made in 2022 and has a rating of 7.7 on IMDB, which I would rate higher, if for no other reason than it made me cry or want to. When a movie is simple, decent and true it can touch your emotions without gimmickry. It is set in Ireland with Gaelic language, but familiar in its country farming background. It does start rather slowly, but it is necessary and worth the wait. The acting is outstanding, though I didn’t recognize any actor by name or face.
This film excelled in each of three requirements for any good movie. The setting was beautiful Irish countryside in modern times, but seemed somehow timeless which added a sense a charm that classic movies often possess. The characters were likable and those who were not, were intended to be. Again classic movies have villains and rogues who are as memorable as the hero’s. For example, where would the “Wizard of OZ” be without the wicked witch and her flying monkeys. Another aspect of these characters which exceeds our expectations is their complexity. It’s one thing to evoke emotion, but further still for the characters to struggle along with the audience. Lastly, the story was well told with a good ending that wrapped everything up in a very satisfying manner. Again, it went beyond the minimum as it offered some last minute questions for the audience to settle in their own way or easily ignore.
There was nothing in this movie requiring a warning of anything unsuitable, which is very rare and impossible for Hollywood. The immaturity and innocence of children is very difficult to adequately and fully describe to an audience which accounts for its seemingly slow start, but this was essential to the story. One of the things people liked about the TV series, “The Wonder Years” was how the narrator explained what was going on in Kevin’s young mind, the central character, which he was entirely incapable of expressing with words. This movie accomplished that without a narrator, by using great acting/directing and well constructed dialog.
Finally, as the title suggests it is about a quiet girl. It actually makes the point that being cautious or sparing with one’s words is a great virtue. The scriptures teach this in several ways, from long wordy prayers intended to empress (Matt. 6:7) to Solomon who said, “…many words mark the speech of a fool.” (Ecclesiastes 5:3) How refreshing and unique to have such a virtue presented in a modern day film as commendable, rather than as a deficiency and object of ridicule. This movie is a gem.
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