WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Is it fair to say that to truly maintain a HEALTHY, stable mental state of being can be–challenging–at times? When we are having to go out our doorways and confront the current world in which we reside, suffice it to say, there are more than a few elements in play (news, social media) that test our resolve to remain productive, proactive, and most importantly POSITIVE. Now, add to this the stress of facets rising from our own pasts that feed into our misery and it begs the question–what exactly must we do to have PEACE??!! For a young man named Darren (Fionn Foley), everyday existence is a battle against a constantly frazzled mindset (and the rather–odd–manner in which he currently copes with it!) that he now seeks to be rid of with the help of his therapist (Bryan Quinn). But, when the good doctor prescribes an equally unconventional, though logical, method for Darren to find his solace–will it have a chance to work, or only makes things worse??
Next, my Mind:
I’ve recently been lauding the fact, both from a general observational perspective as well as via an ongoing run of film reviews from the region, that Irish film is on a SERIOUSLY upward trend, especially in the indie film realms, where an Oscar winner last year for Best Live Action Short (accompanied by a multitude of other Irish efforts at minimum getting high notice and praise in both indie and mainstream then AND currently) cements this truth in cinematic marble. Following said overall wave of stellar and still-growing success, this new indie short film from director Dave Fox, writer/composer Fionn Foley, plus producers Rob Earley and Mark Lawrence carries the Emerald Isle’s flag forward even further with utterly gut-busting comedic intelligence, smartly executed story telling, and wholly relevant addressing of mental health awareness that’s come to the forefront in this age of COVID-19 and other societal strains, all through a KEY factor that defines and/or encapsulates it all–ORIGINALITY.
Raw with an attitude and sharp, candid, uncompromising wit that could only be carried forth by the unfettered beauty that IS indie filmmaking, the narrative which sees one man’s hilariously tumultuous journey from psychological agony to cerebral and personal liberation brings with it not just a completely hysterical foundational premise, but also an unexpectedly clever and mirthfully dramatic degree of beautifully crafted, brilliantly conveyed musical elements woven into the plot which made it one of THE most authentic and accomplished comedies this critic has seen–period! It simply WORKS so overtly well, and has such a well-placed, purposeful message behind its comedy that it enables us as the viewer to be both unequivocally entertained to the max while also being compelled to THINK about our own state of affairs and what steps can also be taken to help others embroiled in similar situations who NEED listening ears and TRUE support.
At least, this critic feels the film SHOULD have that kind of impact, because the well-being of us not just individually, but as HUMANITY, is something we should NOT lose sight of or take for granted. Themes revolving around suppressed or hidden trauma, the means we attempt to handle it on our own, harboring a tarnished self-image, being willing to SEEK help then likewise needing to be OPEN to ACCEPT the aid, realizing things aren’t always going to be perfect or smooth, recognizing how we no longer want to be prisoner of the past, and experiencing the REAL and satisfying RELEASE from it all get addressed amidst one riotous run of shenanigans that so deftly PUT the humor into a serious study and deeply necessary exploration of the toll stress and undisclosed pain can have on us. Frankly, it’s great to BE able to laugh at it, not out of careless ignorance, but honestly for the sake of discovering a constructive path to HEALING.
By the time the film’s finale rolls around (and you’ve ideally managed to pick yourself up off the floor from laughing so hard), the film does add a last bit of biting but keen shrewdness to the narrative that’s just plain amusing and so apropos given all else that’s transpired. Music plays SUCH a fantastically worthy role throughout the film, not just IN the form of actual songs and underlying score, but also in the playfully wry, unique pieces that cover a wonderfully astute range of styles that only serve to enhance the story so dynamically, especially in the context of each individual scene they’re utilized. It’s a total stitch to listen to AND watch in the scope of it all. One can only assume the cast had a BLAST filming this! As I often state when it comes to indie efforts, the grander visual presentation and settings for the film are nice and straightforward, offering us the ability to pay attention to character and narrative the genre excels at delivering in spades.
Foley is a undeniable force and mix of dry, then fully campy, unflinchingly amusing whimsey from start to finish while likewise infusing a certain magnitude of dramatically grounded flair to events through his role as Darren, a man with a decidedly particular (and admittedly peculiar!) issue of mind he’s facing while trying to deal with an initially unknown or only hinted-at hurt from his childhood. Finally willing to pursue advice from his therapist, Darren is provided an unorthodox yet understandable resolution to follow that he embraces with caution but ultimately hope. The ensuing journey he takes is in some ways excruciating (figuratively and literally) as well as helpful, though his agitation with it all could threaten the validity and outcome he wants. It’s a magnificently noteworthy performance Foley brings as he guides this sometimes hapless then suddenly enthusiastic character to vibrant life with excellent comedic timing and totally controlled precision.
Equally cheeky and definitively humorous in a perfectly suited salty and absurdly pretentious manner, Quinn brings a fervently enjoyable demeanor to the screen and story via his turn as Darren’s therapist, a practitioner of wellness for his clients who also seems a little bit TOO self-assured in his ideologies and methodologies paired with an evident disconcert of other people’s lack of musical reference knowledge. But, offering up the “cure” for Darren’s unsettled circumstances while encouraging him to “embrace his inner child” and obtain a more positive outlook on things, it becomes a comedy of errors and seeming roadblocks his client is confronting. Still, he keeps pushing for Darren to win, and how it all gets revealed remains to be seen from there. It’s one of those kinds of performances I greatly love and notice in indie films–understated yet energetic and, in this case, a very jocular presence.
Supporting roles arrive aplenty from Hannah Mamalis, Morgan C. Jones, Clelia Murphy, Faye O’Rourke, Rory Musgrave, Rob Earley, Clara De Brun, Gerry Earley, Jackie Earley, and even an appearance by our esteemed director himself, Dave Fox. I am intentionally not providing exact details to whom each of these individuals is playing as, frankly, grab a chance now or down the road to watch this film and relish the amazingness of this cast and, whether briefly or a little more involved, the sheer level of talents they bring to this tale. NO small parts, people. A heartfelt “Congratulations!!” to you all, as your performances more than adeptly brought additional depth and comedic wonder to this film! So, in total, “Cantata” is an exceptionally formulated piece of indie film genius that entirely deservers to be noticed and appreciated for both its laughs and its pertinent statements about mental health while providing lessons in learning to accept yourself, conquering fears and self-doubt, and to EMBRACE LIFE. OH! If it wasn’t abundantly clear in my opening statements above–watch out, film world, because the Irish ARE coming! Bring it on!
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
