‘That They May Face The Rising Sun’ Review – A Mesmerizing Adaptation Of An ‘Unfilmable’ Story [LFF 2023]

“Book to film” adaptations are mainly based on literary works in which a lot of action, drama and intrigue are present. That is because stories like that easily attract financiers, A-list stars and an audience. Sadly, this approach also results in many novels and books being deemed ‘unfilmable’ when they have less action and dramatic moments. However, director Pat Collins (The Dance) now proves with his That They May Face the Rising Sun that some ‘unfilmable’ stories should see the big screen as his latest work is a beautiful and mesmerizing film.

The young creative couple Joe (Barry Ward) and Kate (Anna Bederke) live in an old-style cottage in rural Ireland. He’s an inspiring writer, while she’s an artist, photographer and co-owner of an art gallery in London. They fill their days with tending the bee hives, growing their food, helping on their neighbours’ farms and being there for the locals when they need advice and a good cup of tea. No technology, no social media, just human interactions and becoming one with nature.

Despite their lives being in total contrast to the ones of their neighbours – as the couple is much more educated and has more experience living in a big city as they’ve lived in London for a while – Joe and Kate feel like they’re part of the local community. They become much more connected with the people around them and with the beautiful nature. However, one day, the couple faces the biggest challenge. Kate can become the sole owner of her gallery in London. Do they take on that job offer and move to the vivid city and be like everyone else of their generation, or do they stay in the rural community and keep on swimming against the tide?

Peace, Ireland and sensitivity are essential in That They May Face the Rising Sun, so comparing this film with The Quiet Girl, the mesmerizing Irish movie from last year, isn’t farfetched. That first wide scene focuses on the landscape, nature and the rising sun. There’s no dialogue, only the soothing, quiet original score by Irene and Linda Buckley (Nothing Compares), birdsongs and the striking visuals by Richard Kendrick (Song of Granite). It feels like watching a beautiful nature documentary instead of a feature film. Those first breath-taking landscape shots undoubtedly set the tone for the rest of the movie.

The calm and tranquillity are never far away, even when things are getting tougher for Kate, Joe and their dearest. That’s just how life is. You’ll try to find moments of quietness and self-love, even when facing difficult decisions. It’s a universal feeling, so even if you’re not living in gorgeous Ireland, you certainly feel what the main characters are going through. That sense of community really comes through, not only how vital those small communities are but also how isolating they can be. Collins doesn’t shy away from showing us the darker side of the rural and lonely life. Many locals have to deal with alcoholism, and because the opportunities are scarce, they feel like they don’t have a purpose in life. 

The sense of community and the gentleness of nature come through even more thanks to the grounded and subtle performances by the overall cast. Kate is more prominent than in the book – as there’s a more significant focus on her job – and Bederke (Soul Kitchen) takes that opportunity to show us a very restrained but complex performance. Her character is such a warm, welcoming but also headstrong and rebellious person and Bederke portrays that duality excellently. Ward’s (Sunlight) acting is less explored because Joe enjoys life in the rural community and has found peace, but that doesn’t mean his performance isn’t good. No, you feel Joe’s happiness, calmness and loyalty coming through beautifully. A fantastic Irish cast is surrounding them, including Ruth McCabe (Philomena), Sean McGinley (On a Clear Day) and Lalor Roddy (Hunger), who all bring uniqueness to this movie.

Yes, this feature is very slow, but to ensure that That They May Face the Rising Sun never becomes dull, Collins throws in some problems and dilemmas for the main characters. People from the village are still determining how long they will be able to live there as they face rising poverty. They also grow older, have to bury more of their friends, and feel even more isolated. And obviously, there’s also the couple’s dilemma towards the middle of the movie.

Collins again demands your patience, but it’s worth it. The movie is full of bittersweet emotions, striking Irish landscapes, tranquillity, and the sense of community that’s getting lost more and more. If you open your mind to the quietness and calmness of That They May Face the Rising Sun, you will see the beauty in this movie.

That They May Face the Rising Sun had its World Premiere in the Journey section at the BFI London Film Festival.

Director: Pat Collins

Writers: Pat Collins, Eamon Little

Rated: NR

Runtime: 107m