What Richard Did

What Richard Did is a gripping and emotionally intense 2012 Irish drama that profoundly explores the themes of responsibility, guilt, and the loss of innocence. It is masterfully directed by the talented Lenny Abrahamson and features commendable performances by its lead actors, namely Jack Reynor, Fionn Walton, and Gavin Drea.

At the center of the narrative is Richard Karlsen, portrayed with a profound complexity by Jack Reynor in what can be seen as his breakout role. Richard is a leader among his circle of friends and is well-respected for his rugby skills. The film unravels the journey of this privileged south Dublin teenager who is caught in the summer between the end of school and the beginning of university. Richard is at the epitome of his adolescence, full of ambition, potential, and a carefree attitude. Every aspect of his life including his love life with his new girlfriend Lara (Roisin Murphy) appears perfectly placid. Yet, the movie title suggests a specific event, an act that Richard committed which truly defines the storyline.

As the story unfolds, a series of summer nights filled with adolescent adventures and new romances steers Richard's life into unexpected territories. An unforeseen incident at a party takes Richard and his friends down a course none of them had envisioned for themselves. The events that follow test Richard's character, his relations, and his very understanding of himself. His seemingly perfect life starts unraveling, forcing him to confront the consequences. While the crucial incident is critical to plot progression, it is, however, not entirely an occurrence of exploitation that has so often been seen but rather, it pushes the character into a complex exploration of guilt, morality, and personal accountability.

One of the strong points of this movie is its ability to involve its audience in a profound contemplation about the complexity of human actions and behaviours. By thrusting a well-loved, high-achieving, individual, like Richard, into a situation that is shockingly deviant from his normal life, the film manages to unsettle its viewers. It attempts to answer difficult questions: How far are people willing to go to preserve their image? And how much are they willing to risk to protect their future?

Reynor's portrayal of Richard is compelling and evokes a strong emotional response from viewers. He brings depth to the character, effectively capturing his internal conflict and the turmoil that engulfs him in the aftermath of the incident. Reynor's performance, along with the aptly supporting roles of Fionn Walton as Jake and Gavin Drea as Conor, gives the film its much-needed authenticity.

What Richard Did is as much a social commentary as it is a personal introspection. Apart from the individual-centric narrative, the social environment, particularly Richard's affluent family, well-off friends, and privileged background, play a critical role in the storytelling. The socio-economic backdrop highlights the contrasting life comforts and afflicts experienced by the characters and indirectly takes a jab at the perceived entitlements of the privileged class.

Abrahamson's expert direction and the lifelike performances by the cast successfully maintain a high level of intensity throughout the film's duration. The film's narrative unfolds at a pace that allows for deep character development while maintaining the audience's intrigue. The cinematography is elegantly straightforward, and a simplistic shot composition enhances the narrative's realism, subtly elevating raw, emotional moments over dramatic effect.

What Richard Did is also distinct for its narrative silence, as it allows audiences to grapple with ethical and moral weight rather than spoon-feeding them explanations or making explicit judgments. This manner of storytelling leaves room for interpretation and in-deep thought, thereby making film-watching an engaging experience.

In sum, What Richard Did provides a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of morality, consequences, and identity. It blends elements of drama and real-life incidents to create a narrative that engages and challenges its audience to question and contemplate their own understanding of right and wrong. With its exceptional performances, well-measured direction, and nuanced storyline, What Richard Did definitely deserves a watch by lovers of profound cinema.