Rosie
Where to Watch Rosie
Rosie is a 2018 Irish drama film that explores the harsh realities of a society trying to reconcile modern progress against the backdrop of deep-rooted social issues. Directed by Paddy Breathnach and written by Roddy Doyle, the film shines a spotlight on the growing homeless crisis in Ireland. It features an outstanding performance by Sarah Greene, who embodies the role of Rosie, a woman struggling to find stability for her family amidst an impending housing crisis. The film also showcases compelling performances by Molly McCann and Darragh Mckenzie.
The film's narrative unfolds over the course of 36 hours, providing a microcosm of the pervasive challenges of homelessness and poverty. Rosie, the protagonist, is not the stereotypical view of homeless individuals many people harbor. She is a middle-class working woman who is rendered homeless due to external social and economic factors. The film seeks to break down stereotypical barriers and fosters empathy for those who find themselves in this desperate situation.
Sarah Greene captures the fortitude, fear, and determination of Rosie with an intensity that is, at times, heart-wrenching. Her character, Rosie, is a mother of four who with her partner, John Paul (played by Moe Dunford), is trying to keep her family afloat after they lose their home. Society's perception of homelessness is turned on its head by portraying a loving family that is intact, rather than broken or struggling with addiction.
The film also focuses on the mundane and challenging nature of homelessness, where finding a place to stay every night becomes a terrifying labyrinth of unanswered phone calls and the fear of the unknown. Alongside this, Rosie and John Paul also have to deal with the day-to-day activities such as working, taking care of their kids, and having to balance school drop-offs and pick-ups, adding another layer of complexity to their plight.
The role of the children is central to the narrative. Darragh Mckenzie, Ellie O'Halloran, Ruby Dunne, and Molly McCann play the couple's children who respond uniquely to their shifting world. Among them, Molly McCann delivers an especially touching performance as the eldest child, who slowly begins to comprehend what is happening and attempts to conceal it from her friends at school. Despite the grim situation, these children still create moments of heartwarming joy, showing the resilience and the spirit of a family in hardship.
Rosie sets the stage with an unyielding reality of a housing crisis, but the story is ultimately about an indefatigable family unit that is trying to retain a sense of normalcy amid chaos. The film is a stark revelation of how closely the loss of a home is entwined with the loss of privacy, security, dignity, and identity. The gripping portrayal, however, doesn't abstain from conveying that there is always a glimmer of hope, resilience, and humanity, even in the direst of circumstances.
Delicately directed by Paddy Breathnach, Rosie illuminates the raw and haunting portrait of homelessness. Its quiet moments perhaps speak the loudest, with lingering close-ups, realistic sequences, and the captivating performances by the lead actors. The film touches on the subtle shifts in family dynamics, personal anxieties, and the often unseen emotional upheaval under such circumstances, empowering the narrative with profound depth.
Filmed on location in Dublin, the moviemakers skillfully capture the city's contrast of historical charm and contemporary hustle. The production design of the film, which was accomplished by Louise Mathews, adds another layer of authenticity, capturing the gritty bleakness and vulnerability of living out of one's car, contrasting with idyllic, happier flashbacks of their life at home.
Imbued with both social relevance and emotional resonance, Rosie doesn't sugar-coat the reality of homelessness—it emphasizes it. Rosie is not just a film but a cinematic mirror reflecting the growing divide between fast-paced urban development and social equality. It is a potent, touching, and unapologetically honest exploration of a modern-day crisis. The film resonates long after the end credits roll, highlighting the urgency for a more comprehensive and empathetic approach toward the issue of homelessness.
Rosie is a Drama movie released in 2019. It has a runtime of 86 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.0. It also holds a MetaScore of 83.
How to Watch Rosie
Where can I stream Rosie movie online? Rosie is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Amazon Prime, Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel Free, Tubi TV, Kanopy, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Rosie for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.