Conor McPherson’s The Eclipse (review) is a murky gem. Part ghost story, part thriller and part romance, it doesn’t traverse deep enough into any one of its genre’s to make it easily classifiable and perhaps that’s the film’s appeal. Walking away I was impressed by some aspects and underwhelmed by others but I must admit that it’s a film that I’ve thought about on occasion in the months since seeing it and one I’ve been looking forward to seeing again.
The film stars the great Ciarán Hinds as a widower living on the Irish coast who, every year, volunteers at the local writer’s festival. He strikes up a relationship with a Lena (Iben Hjejle), a visiting author who writer about ghosts. What stars as a casual friendship develops into awkward romantic one that goes sideways when a pompous American author (the fabulous Aidan Quinn) decides to grace the small town with his presence.
I’m still not quite sure how I feel about the film but it does have a lot going for it, namely the haunting score, beautiful cinematography and great performances from Hinds and Quinn. It’s a fascinating melding of genres and one I’d like a second chance to experience.
Magnolia is releasing the film on VOD, Amazon and XBox live on February 26th followed on March 26th with what I can only assume will be a limited release.
Trailer is tucked under the seat!
That is a sweet cast, and although it looks like the melodrama is there, it also looks to be slow burn. I’d check that own in the theatre – anytime filmmakers force genres together, they have my attention, at least.
Slowburn is a perfect description. It does have a few good scares though and the score is awesome. Works well with the movie’s darker bits.