Estonian premiere
The Quiet Girl
Four siblings, a mother torn between care and helplessness, a cursing father and a wet mattress every morning: these are the things that make up quiet young Cáit’s life. Her parents decide it’s best if she spends the summer at the farm of two relatives she has never met. Lush green trees flank the road leading up to their property, a respectful silence pervading their bright, clean house. Here, tenderly looked after by Eibhlín, Cáit finally feels loved and safe. Initial aloofness likewise starts giving way to a deeper bond between her and Seán, with whom she feeds the calves. The mattress stays dry. And yet, in the midst of the scraggly beauty of the Irish countryside, certain secrets seem to linger, which Cáit begins to face with newfound courage and confidence.
Colm Bairéad's heartbreaking debut film is simple, but effective. Dialogue in charming irish alternates with prolonged silence in a film where people lack a language for their inner worlds. A few-worded, poetic film about grief that goes straight to the heart.
The film premiered at the Berlinale in the Generation Kplus competition programme and received the Grand Prix Award.
Ireland's nominee for the Best International Film Oscar.
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