The Quiet Girl
[An Cailín Ciúin], directed by Colm Bairéad, Ireland 2022, 94'
Oscar-nominated Colm Bairead’s beautiful, dreamy debut, shot in phenomenal Irish locations, proves that sometimes the smallest stories move the most.
The Quiet Girl is about 9-year-old Cáit, who lives in a poor, large family. When her mother becomes pregnant once again, the girl ends up with her relatives in the countryside. Somewhat shy and withdrawn until now, Cáit begins to open up to the world and explore the mysteries of her new home. Awarded at the Berlinale, the film creates an extraordinary atmosphere, brilliantly using understatement and mesmerising camera work. It is a warm, poignant story about the ambiguous, growing bonds between child and adult, and the innocence of childhood.