Ballywalter
Film8pm
A bitter-sweet comedy drama set in Ballywalter, Northern Ireland. Patrick Kielty is deeply touching in director Prasanna Puwanarajah’s debut feature.
Eileen (Seana Kerslake) is a caustic, unrepentant university drop-out whose dreams of a successful life in London have fallen by the wayside. Back at home with her mum, she makes ends meet by working as an unlicensed driver in her ex-boyfriend’s minicab. Shane (Patrick Kielty) has exiled himself in Ballywalter following the break-up of his marriage, but now he’s trying to get his life back on track by enrolling in a stand-up comedy course.
When Shane calls a taxi to get him to his classes, Eileen answers and a surprising connection is made. As the two spend time together shuttling back and forth, a beautiful friendship develops, leading them both to a moment of realisation. Shane reintegrates, and Eileen makes peace with herself and who she really is. Finally, she can stop running and just drive.
Ballywalter is a life-affirming story about the unexpected connections that can change the course of our lives.
Patrick Kielty is a revelation and Seána Kerslake exemplary in this moving drama The Irish Independent
Dir. Prasanna Puwanarajah, Ireland/ UK, 2023, 89 mins