Regressions

Coming from Ireland, this short drama is written and directed by Rebecca Hickey, who also stars, alongside acclaimed actors Peter Coonan, Barry John Kinsella and Caoilfhionn McDonnell.

An elderly man has just passed away in Northern Ireland and his daughter, Claire (Hickey) has arrived from London, currently staying in her late father's home. It is now nighttime and Claire is in the house, sitting at a table with her two siblings, Michael (Coonan) and Patrick (Kinsella). Their mother (McDonnell) is sleeping upstairs and there is a baby camera monitor on the table. They have just finished eating and are having a late-night chat, which ends up being a dramatic one.

The narrative takes place in real time and in one room, that being the dining room, with the two brothers sitting next to one another and their sister opposite them. The concept revolves around the meaningful conversation they have between them, which involves life-changing matters such as Claire separating from her partner, the brothers trying to convince her to move back so that their mother can have someone to look after her and for Claire to potentially meet a guy. All this is not perceived well by the sister, who angrily refuses to comply to her sibling's suggestions, ensuing in an argument and criticism. The tension is high at times and there is occasional humour and dialogue keeps things intriguing by concentrating on the characters' point of view regarding the various topics of discussion.

This film gains a lot from the contributions of two acclaimed artists, those being multi-award-winning cinematographer Jass Foley and Northern Ireland composer Anthony Eve.

As Claire, Hickey plays a young woman who knows what she wants, is determined to stand her ground and not let others decide what she is to do. Coonan and Kinsella portray the brothers as well-meaning individuals, who also come across as a bit selfish or maybe too naive to comprehend that family responsibilities should not be limited to one person. Although her appearance is brief in this thirteen-minute-long short, McDonnell provides a performance that establishes her character as caring and understanding.

Hickey's screenplay is basically a dramatic conversation that deals with a variety of heavy themes. The dialogue between the three siblings is about self-reflection, family values, about people having the right to make their own choices and about family commitments and expectations, about what one is expected to for their family. Furthermore, the story covers feminism, sexism and appears to be anti-male to a degree.

A short family drama about three siblings having a conversation that reflects on their lives. A very well-made film with strong acting that ends up a thoughtful viewing experience due to the subjects that it recognises.