The Belly Of The Whale

Set against the backdrop of a small town during a bleak mid-winter, The Belly Of The Whale, a 2018 crime drama, begins as a rather typical coming-of-age story but quickly evolves into an absorbing tale of desperation, crime, and unexpected friendships. Directed by Morgan Bushe, the film stars Art Parkinson, Michael Smiley, and Pat Shortt, who bring a gritty realism to their roles.

At the heart of this movie is the character of Joey Moody, brilliantly portrayed by the young and talented Art Parkinson. Having run away from his orphanage, Joey has returned to his hometown with the aim of reclaiming his late mother’s run-down petrol station, which was due to become a valuable development site. Through his dedication and determination towards building a prosperous future from his past tribulations, Parkinson captures the essence of a character pushed to the brink yet retaining an emotional authenticity that makes the audience root for his success.

Enter Ronald Tanner, played by Michael Smiley. Tanner is a disgraced one-time used-car salesman, now turned largely ineffective petty criminal, whose wit, charm, and the undercurrent of pathos that Smiley brings to his portrayal help make the character endearingly relatable if somewhat tragic.

The third pillar of the tale is Pat Shortt's character, Gits Hegarty, a local resident with a notorious reputation largely earned through his peculiar behavior and conviction towards managing the local parish carnival, which might not be as successful or principled as it seems from the outside.

As the plot unfolds, in an improbable twist of fate, Joey forms an unlikely alliance with Tanner to save his family's legacy. This turn of events leads to a poorly thought-out Christmas Eve caper, engineered by Tanner and reluctantly joined by Joey. The duo, who are each other's stark antitheses, teamwork to uncover Hegarty's darker intentions to exploit the town's blind faith to exploit personal gain.

The Belly Of The Whale comes across as a fresh, compelling narrative delivered through colorful characters and driven by a sense of urgency and poetic lawlessness akin to Irish storytelling. A striking feature of the film is the relationship between Joey and Tanner that begins as a tenuous partnership but gradually morphs into a close-knit bond.

The balance of humor, drama, and suspense is key to the film's captivating narrative, shedding light on the stark realities of small-town life while continually keeping the viewer engrossed in the journey of its flawed but resilient characters. The cinematography, combined with an intimately profound script penned by Bushe and Greg Flanagan, heightens the film's desolate mood, emphasizing the narrative's primary emotional beats.

With subtle humor that underlines mankind's ability to latch onto hope in the most tragic circumstances and a slowly building suspense that is sure to keep viewers on their toes, The Belly Of The Whale delves deep into the realms of morality, friendship, and the unfailing human spirit to persist through hardship.

The film is undoubtedly a visual treat, with the stark Irish landscape underscored by Luis Diaz’s cinematography compelling viewers to stay invested in the unfolding drama. The intimate and riveting storytelling style coupled with the brilliant cast performances augment the overall appeal.

The Belly Of The Whale is not just an Irish film about an amateur heist - it is also about resilience, about making tough decisions in dire times, and most of all, it is about the indomitable spirit of its characters who, despite their grim circumstances, find reasons to laugh, to fight, and to survive. A highly recommended watch for fans of dark comedy and crime drama genres, the film effortlessly strikes a balance between tragedy and humor, making it a unique cinema experience.