It’s depressing to think about all of the brilliant people this world beats down and defeats before they have the opportunity to share their gifts with the world. In many cases, this spark of brilliance and creativity is snuffed out during childhood. Under different circumstances, and within a different environment, many would blossom and reach their full potential.
The Quiet Girl takes a look at circumstances such as these through the eyes of a young girl named Cait (Catherine Clinch), who is sent to live with distant relatives during the summer of 1981, and has a transformative experience that sees her break out of her shell and discover a sense of self.
In the beginning, Cait doesn’t stand out much among her sisters and her peers. In fact, most people find her annoyingly quiet and awkward. The shy young girl barely speaks above a whisper and keeps her head down at school and at home. Her mother (Kate Nic Chonaonaigh) is pregnant again, and her drunken and philandering father (Michael Patric) is worried about how the impoverished family will afford another mouth to feed.
The parents decide that Cait will be sent to live with distant relatives Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley) and Sean (Andrew Bennett). The husband and wife are still dealing with the loss of their own child, and show great love and affection to Cait. They teach her how to do chores, buy her new clothes, and are attentive to her needs. Cait begins to bond with children her age and slowly, but surely, find her way in the world.
The Quiet Girl is a quiet, but melancholic coming-of-age drama that will wreck you. It manages to speak to that part of viewers that doesn’t feel seen or acknowledged. Under the right circumstances, and the with the right amount of guidance and love, we’re all capable of doing great things and being extraordinary people. The sense of home Cait finds with her relatives is heartwarming and will leave you yearning for that type of affection even if you’re an adult.
Clinch is a young actress who embodies the role of young Cait completely and gives herself to this role in a way that’s astounding and shows great talent and maturity for her age. With the most subtle of facial expressions and body language, she’s able to communicate Cait’s discomfort, and eventually, her growing confidence and ability to live bold and proud. She begins to carry herself like someone who deserves to be in this world and take up space. Cait’s evolution is portrayed expertly thanks to Clinch’s talent.
Crowley and Bennett bring a lot of heart and warmth to their roles as well. Crowley embodies the warm, loving mother figure from the moment she steps on screen. She is instantly protective of Cait and dedicates herself into giving the young girl the room and support she needs to grow. Bennett’s character starts off as a cold, stern father figure, but quickly warms up to the young girl and becomes the idealized father figure she needs in her life.
The use of color in the film is another thing worth mentioning. The way Cait’s world is bathed in depressing blues and blacks while she’s with her parents, to the bright yellows, pinks, and greens that surround her while with her relatives, serves as an excellent visual cue that her world is changing. The young girl is experiencing growth both internal and external. Her world is literally changing for the better and it’s beautiful to behold.
The Quiet Girl is a quiet and emotional film about the transformative power of love and how much of an important role in plays in helping children discover themselves.
The Quiet Girl is currently playing in select theaters nationwide courtesy of Super Ltd.
The Quiet Girl is a quiet and emotional film about the transformative power of love and how much of an important role in plays in helping children discover themselves.
Writer. Video Essayist. Film/TV Critic. Pop Culture Enthusiast.
When he isn’t writing for Geek Vibes Nation or creating content for his YouTube channel, Tristian can be found typing away at the young adult novel he has been working on for three years.
