[Review] Clodagh: An Exquisite Exploration of the Human Condition

Writer/Director Portia A Buckley 

Starring; Bríd Ní Neachtain, Katelyn Rose Downey

Mrs Kelly, a lonely, devout, and rigorous person who balances her day job as  housekeeper for a local priest with running her dance school. Unfortunately the school is struggling and only a win at a prestigious national competition could help keep the doors open.In walks Clodagh whose phenomenally jaw dropping talent provokes a moral and spiritual dilemma for Mrs Kelly.

Writer and director Portia A. Buckley has crafted a poignant narrative exploring the complexities of faith, ambition, and inner conflict. It is a nuanced examination of moral dilemmas that resonates with anyone facing this inner conflict. Buckley’s work generally focuses on character-driven narratives centred on strong female protagonists, this story is no exception.

Shot primarily on film, Buckley and cinematographer Jomo Fray use a muted colour palette that compliments the sombre tone of Mrs. Kelly’s life, contrasted by brighter, almost ethereal lighting in the scenes featuring Clodagh. Her dancing, filmed in an almost dizzying spiral, symbolises the allure and danger of temptation. It also evokes a sense of longing for a return to one’s youth.  Buckley’s direction is both sensitive and precise, guiding the story with a quiet urgency that keeps viewers engaged.

Stirring Masterclass Performances

Bríd Ní Neachtain’s portrayal of Mrs. Kelly is a masterclass in restrained emotion, skillfully capturing the character’s internal struggle as she wrestles with conflicting desires. Mrs. Kelly’s devotion to her faith is tested as she becomes increasingly captivated by Clodagh’s natural talent. The film deftly explores how one’s moral compass can be affected by her ambition, prompting viewers to reflect on their own notions of fuelling ambition vs ethical and spiritual behaviour.

Katelyn Rose Downey shines as Clodagh, exuding childlike innocence with a raw, magnetic energy in her performance. Her portrayal of Clodagh serves as both a catalyst and a mirror, reflecting Mrs Kelly’s vulnerabilities and suppressed desires. The synergy between these two female performers is palpable, and their scenes together are packed with unspoken emotions conveying more than words ever could.

Clodagh is a thought-provoking short film that delves into the delicate interplay between personal desire and moral duty. Portia A Buckley invites us to explore the ultimate question: what price are you willing to pay for your ambition? Buckley’s storytelling, combined with the brilliant performances of Neachtain and Downey, makes it a powerful and memorable story. Clodagh has qualified to be considered for nomination at the 2025 OSCARS

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