Brooklyn (2015) review - Movie Thoughts (Chapter 21) 🌺

 Hello everyone,

Today's film is a wholesome and moving love story that truly wedged its way into my soul. It was so beautiful, and so touching, and I am once again frustrated that I did not discover its magic sooner. A gem that continued my love affair with the talent and charms of Saoirse Ronan and Domhnall Gleeson, please give this one a watch if you haven't already....

(**disclaimer: the following thoughts are 100% my opinion, you do not have to agree with them - film is inherently subjective and everyone's perspective is valid! Also, there are probably spoilers in the following, read at your own risk. Now onto some thoughts....**)

Source: IMDB

A beautiful and sincere journey of romance, discovery and grief, this John Crowley period drama definitely deserved its place amongst the Best Picture nominees at the 2016 Academy Awards. Irish girl Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan) emigrates to the plentiful streets of New York in the 1950s, quickly falling in love with local Italian boy Tony (Emory Cohen). After a family tragedy pushes her back to her homeland, she finds herself caught between the two countries and her future in either one. Although love was at its core, it wasn’t all-consuming with the perfect balance of love and self-discovery alongside quaint scenery and gorgeous costumes.

There was a deep emotional resonance to the whole film that never felt slow, and kept up a visceral pull on the heartstrings without being dull or cheesy. Honest and warm, much of the plot was thankfully focused less on dramatics and more on developing a thick expressive hold that felt like walking with Eilis through her struggles and introspections. That vulnerable charm was woven beautifully by Nick Hornby’s incredible script. Based on the Colm Tolbin novel, it conveyed so much depth of feeling with seemingly simple, yet personal dialogue; almost poetic in nature. Heartbreak, love, grief and hardship are all conveyed with a consistently sophisticated level of intellect and restraint, with a captivating tone of romance reminiscent of the best Jane Austen adaptations. Director John Crowley constructed something magical from such uncomplicated, yet powerful stories and themes. Both Crowley and Hornby’s styles have combined seamlessly in a way that was truly enchanting; encapsulated in the architecture of 1950's New York and Ireland with spot-on set design.

Within this story were so many beautiful moments and emotional vulnerabilities. A talented ensemble cast collectively created such strong connections on-screen, hitting the right notes of tension and support. The heartbreaking relationship between Eilis and her mammie Mary Lacey (Jane Brennan) was a tear-jerker, whilst the support Eilis received in New York from Mrs. Kehoe (Julie Walters) and Father Flood (Jim Broadbent) was such a refreshing spark of happiness.

Saoirse Ronan shone in an outstanding lead performance as Eilis Lacey; a shy, hard-working girl from a small town in Ireland who emigrates to the bustling streets of Brooklyn in search of a better life. It was such a calm, measured yet intensely emotional and raw performance and a masterclass in facial work. Ronan’s choices made Eilis superbly three-dimensional and magnetic on-screen. Although the chemistry between her and Cohen wasn’t particularly grand, there was enough earnest sparks of young love to convey a relationship that evolved into something quite deep and personal. Tony was affectionate and committed; patient with Eilis until she caught up to his level of commitment. They were lovely together and it was such an engaging watch to see how Eilis’ life in Brooklyn flourished once her heartfelt homesickness fell away. Hornby’s implicit commentary on identity in diaspora communities was such a vivid thread that probably had a particularly significant impact on audiences members whose personal emigration experiences and feelings echoed Eilis’ at one point or another.

The natural pacing of Eilis’ ‘fairytale’ life in Brooklyn was excellently setup for the emotional core of the film that truly lifted its appeal to another level of intensity. Going back to a childhood home a changed person carried a complex smash of emotions that Eilis had to confront. She returned secretly married and a qualified bookkeeper who wasn’t able to say goodbye to her beloved sister Rose (Fiona Glascott) in person. Cleverly, Eilis herself had changed but her hometown had changed as well.

Eilis’ love for the freedoms of Brooklyn is juxtaposed against the opportune job prospect and potential life with genuine gentlemen Jim Farrell (Domhnall Gleeson); and suddenly Ireland could give Eilis all she’s ever wanted. The consequential tension that unfolded within Eilis’ indecision presented audiences with the whiff of a love triangle, with Eilis eventually arriving at a difficult crossroads. Both men were so sweet and respectful of the woman Eilis wanted to be, but at the end of the day old discomforts can only be managed for so long. The back half of the film not only raised the stakes romantically, but also reinforced a poignant discussion on the notion of home. What does home mean? Can your home, and indeed your heart, belong in two places at once?

Brooklyn attached itself to the hearts of audiences and did not let go until the end credits. Ideas like dreaming of moving to a big city, falling in love or living outside the expected parameters of your hometown are so inherently relatable and are moulded together in such a sophisticated way by Crowley, Hornby and a fantastic ensemble cast. A memorable tale  that celebrated the beautiful fragility of leaving home and growing up.

9.5/10, 4.5 STARS

Thanks for reading,

Love and the nervous excitement of leaving home, Emily 🌺