Song of the Selkie

Song of the Selkie follows Isla (Layla Burns), a young girl who returns to the Scottish Highlands with her father, Craig (James Robinson). Their return leads her to the mystery of the mythical and legendary being, the Selkie. Set over two time periods, the narrative is a mix of two languages (Scottish English and Scottish Gaelic) and an exploration of grief and forgiveness.

The piece is ultimately paced as a slow burn, with a meandering depiction of a father and daughter reconnecting as they return to the Scottish Highlands. As the film spans two time periods, the transition between these sequences can feel jarring and difficult to comprehend; however, as the narrative progresses, it ties together wonderfully. While it may take multiple viewings to appreciate its subtlety on a deeper level, this approach is a welcome one that genuinely trusts its audience to follow along. It's a quietly meditative and haunting experience as Isla begins to unravel the truth about her mother’s disappearance, and both central performances from Layla Burns and James Robinson convey their characters' struggles profoundly. The chemistry between both performers is endearing and feels like a raw father-daughter relationship as the two characters grapple with grief over the loss of their beloved wife and mother.

Both Jon Burton and Ryan Gibson, serving as the cinematographers, do an incredible job of showcasing the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands while making the experience intimate and thought-provoking. The camera is often positioned close to the actors during scenes of self-discovery or discomfort, allowing the performances to shine in each frame. David Julyan, serving as the film's composer, delivers an evocative musical score that is quietly haunting and striking in its motifs. It's a haunting portrayal of loss and acceptance, deeply rooted in its technical prowess. One of the most surprisingly memorable aspects of the narrative is a wonderfully choreographed dance sequence that feels thematically rich in its purpose during the story and deeply enriches Isla’s character arc. While it may take its time to find its footing, the film is a rewarding and emotionally resonant experience with plot points that piece together wonderfully.

The mix of a contemporary setting with the old folklore is constructed perfectly and becomes less jarring as the story delves deeper into the two time periods colliding. The over-reliance on visual storytelling is both a positive and a detriment to the experience; despite the lack of exposition being refreshing, the limited context provided for certain elements of the narrative can become frustrating for the viewer to piece together. Its meandering pace at times can also hinder some of the engagement within the story; that being said, as a directorial effort from Kerry Browne, it's a stunning achievement with splendid direction that may entice viewers to seek out her upcoming projects.

Song of the Selkie is an absorbing experience that blends two time periods and explores profound themes of grief and forgiveness. The importance of family and understanding one's grief is a prevalent theme at the centre of the story, and the film never shies away from this. Despite some hiccups in its pacing and some jarring tonal elements, the film is an affecting and gripping piece of filmmaking that ties together superbly in its emotionally resonant conclusion.