Abode, a feature film composed of five narratively self-contained short stories set across various parts of Ireland, has been released to mixed reactions. Directed by Liam O Mochain, who spent over three years filming this project, the movie attempts to delve into Irish life but often falls short due to flat humor, weak twists, and absurd plotlines soaked in themes of booze and gambling.
Weak Direction and Absurd Plots
The film's five tales are described as thudding and flatly directed, with scripts that feel inspired by sensational true stories from magazines like Take a Break. There is no discernible improvement over the course of the film, raising questions about the director's persistence versus ineptitude. One particularly problematic segment involves a would-be comical story where a woman, played by Gail Brady, gets locked inside a smart oven that is about to turn itself on. The humor hinges on her husband's fecklessness with technology, a stereotype that fails to land effectively.
Performances as the Saving Grace
Despite these flaws, the actors' performances are highlighted as the only redeeming quality of Abode. Marion O'Dwyer, a redoubtable character actor, shines in the first story as Carol, a homeless woman grieving her dead husband. She breaks into a restaurant on Christmas Day to host a feast for her rough-sleeping friends, bringing a touch of humanity to an otherwise lackluster narrative. Similarly, Rosemary Henderson delivers a competent performance in a vignette about Molly meeting the son she put up for adoption years ago, though the O Henry-esque twist is criticized as very weak tea.
Stereotypes and Lack of Charm
Other installments in the film include a middle-aged courtship story that celebrates day drinking and co-dependency, and a finale that tries to validate Ireland's national obsession with gambling through a booze-fuelled good-luck tale. Characterisation rarely rises above stereotype-peddling, with the film relying on clichés rather than depth. However, it is noted that the technical aspects, such as focus, are mostly maintained throughout.
Abode is set to be in UK cinemas from 20 March, offering viewers a glimpse into Irish storytelling that, while watchable due to its cast, struggles to overcome its narrative and comedic shortcomings.
