Deadly Cuts

Deadly Cuts is a delightful yet thrilling Irish comedy-drama film released in 2021. This captivating film is directed by Rachael Moriarty & Peter Murphy and boasts an impressive cast that includes Angeline Ball, Ericka Roe, Lauren Larkin, Amy-Mae Ollier, and Shauna Higgins. An ideal representation of working-class women at their best, Deadly Cuts is one of those unique cinematic experiences that successfully tickles your funny bone while keeping you engrossed in a suspense-filled narrative.

The narrative of Deadly Cuts is set in the working-class Dublin suburb of Piglinstown, where we’re introduced to a formidable gang of ladies who run the local hair salon – "Deadly Cuts". The salon is run by the no-nonsense, gritty, yet deeply caring salon owner Michelle, played by the insightful Angeline Ball. Working with her are the strong and ambitious Stacey (Ericka Roe), bumbling yet lovable Gemma (Lauren Larkin), new apprentice Chantelle (Amy-Mae Ollier) and the crassly funny Denise (Shauna Higgins). These are not your run-of-the-mill hair stylists – while they juggle the day-to-day tasks of managing the salon, they also have their hands full dealing with the hardships and quirks of life in an underprivileged neighborhood.

The film successfully paints a realistic, raw, and relatable picture of working-class Dublin with its honest portrayal of the neighborhood and its people. From heated confrontations with local thugs and dealing with weary community members to standing up to corrupt politicians and their nefarious plans, these beacon of light women face it all with a brave face and a sharp wit. They even dream about competing in a prestigious hairdressing competition and are determined to not let anything or anyone stop them.

Angeline Ball's portrayal of Michelle, the affectionately tough salon owner who anchors this group, is noteworthy. She goes beyond the stereotypes to give us a character that is layered, multi-faceted, and real. On one hand, Michelle is a loving mother figure; on the other, she's a rock-solid pillar for her salon and the wider community.

Ericka Roe as Stacey successfully portrays an ambitious young woman, torn between her loyalty to her little community and the allure of a comfortable life outside it. As Gemma, the salon's timid damsel, Lauren Larkin offers a performance that's both amusing and touching – she brings a sense of innocence and simplicity that contrasts powerfully with the gritty world around her. Amy-Mae Ollier as young Chantelle and Shauna Higgins as the loud-mouthed Denise both contribute remarkable performances, adding to the spectrum of characters that the film teeming with diversity. These five women, each different in their own way, come together to form a team as unlikely as it is stronger than any adversity they face.

At its core, Deadly Cuts is a story about female empowerment, the strength of community, and the power of dreams. But it's also more than that – it's a narrative that hits you at unexpected turns with its humor, its raw depiction of the working class, and its strikingly candid commentary on societal challenges. It's a film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

The film’s narrative strikes a fine balance between light-hearted humor and grim reality, making it an emotional roller-coaster for the audience. One moment, you are laughing at the crude yet heartwarmingly authentic humor; the next, you are at the edge of your seat, absorbed in the drama unfolding on screen. The film adeptly utilizes the hair salon, a symbol of commonplace routine and familiarity, as its arena for unfolding drama, adding a certain charm and authenticity to the narrative.

With its incisive ensemble performances, its rich and layered storytelling, its twisted plot twists, and its deft balance between comedy and drama, Deadly Cuts stands out as a unique cinematic experience. Whether you're a fan of comedy, drama, or socially relevant cinema, this film will certainly leave you richer, making you laugh, think, and maybe, just maybe, look at your local hair salon in a whole new light.