Hot Press Top Irish Films Of The Year 2021

Love Yourself Today

Damien Dempsey has long been beloved by audiences at home and abroad, and his annual Christmas gigs in Vicar Street have become a ritual gathering for many fans, who come together and listen to his authentic, hope-filled music. These gigs have become more than a concert: they’re an emotional release for people looking to feel seen, understood, connected. Powerful doc Love Yourself Today captures the magic of Dempsey’s shows – but also explores the personal tales of three fans who have all been affected by tragedy and trauma. They have battled through, and attend Dempsey’s Christmas gigs as an annual reminder that they have community, a place to express themselves, and songs dedicated to the issues affecting them.

Herself

One of the most highly anticipated Irish films in years was finally released in 2021, and its exploration of trauma, the housing crisis and the importance of community feels incredibly prescient. Clare Dunne co-wrote and stars in Herself, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, which tells the story of a single mother in Dublin who decides to build her own house.

Dunne’s character, Sandra, has just escaped an abusive relationship that has left her physically and emotionally scarred. But through her trauma is her sense of determination and resilience, and she wants to provide for her children – only to find herself facing shame from the court system, obstacles from the housing system, and the impossibility of being able to ever own her own home.

She decides to try and build a house herself, finding a community of empathetic friends who offer her land and construction help, and she sets about taking control of her life. Acutely observed and brilliantly acted, Herself is a triumph.

Arracht

The release of Tom Sullivan’s famine drama Arracht was repeatedly delayed due to Covid, but despite the setbacks, the film gained international acclaim and attention before finally hitting our screens – and the praise is justified. Set in 1845 at the height of the Great Hunger and told entirely through Irish, Arracht follows Cólman Sharkey (Dónall Ó Healaí), who must leave his home after being accused of a crime. Layer in themes of family, redemption, colonialism and traditional thriller elements – as well as striking cinematography - and you have a film well worth waiting for.

Wolfwalkers

The third animated feature from two-time Oscar nominee Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart is a stunning Irish folklore tale, steeped in superstition and magic. Wolfwalkers follows Robyn Goodfellow, a young apprentice hunter who befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumoured to have the ability to transform into wolves by night.

As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the wolfwalkers, and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy. A gorgeous film for the whole family.

Phil Lynott: Songs For While I’m Away

Phil Lynott was expressive, artistic and determined to have a life that extended beyond Dublin, which would allow his music to connect with anyone who also wanted more. And in the documentary Songs For While I’m Away, award-winning director Emer Reynolds tries to live up to his wishes.

The documentary features interviews with Lynott’s friends, bandmates, and music experts – including our own Niall Stokes! – while also embracing artistic visuals, archive footage and an interrogation of Lynott’s lyrics. Reynolds’ empathetic approach to filmmaking means that Thin Lizzy’s rise to fame and Lynott’s personal struggles are handled sensitively, while impressionistic, neon cityscapes of Dublin capture the singer’s hectic, gig-filled lifestyle. A thoughtful, empathetic documentary.