Frightfest 2024: ‘An Taibhse’ Review
Stars: Tom Kerrisk, Livvy Hill, Tony Murray | Written and Directed by John Farrelly
Marketed as the first horror film ever made in the Irish language, An Taibhse (which translates to The Ghost) arrives from writer/director John Farrelly. Set in Ireland, 1852, the story sees Éamon (Tom Kerrisk) and his daughter, Máire (Livvy Hill), arriving at a secluded Georgian mansion to fulfil a caretaker role. As they look after the grounds during the harsh winter months, what should be a peaceful assignment turns horrifying as a malevolent force awakens within the mansion’s walls.
When viewers initially see the father and daughter making the trip, it becomes clear that a terror lingers from their past. While Máire is rattled by past occurrences that she cannot fathom, Éamon dismisses his daughter’s fears and considers them fantastical. The pair settle into their roles intent on forging new lives for themselves, moving forward after the passing of Máire’s mother, but those past fears soon arise in spine-chilling fashion.
It becomes clear that all is not well, as something insidious lurks within the mansion walls. Máire is left frightened while her father turns to alcohol as a coping mechanism, and the glance into their relationship leaves an uncomfortable feeling as more time is spent in their company. This is an accurate reflection of what makes the scares so effective, as the camera lingers on the horror to make the scenes feel inescapable. The standout sequence involves a cupboard that will not remain closed, which makes for a horrifying moment.
While Farrelly impresses as a director, his work as a writer is unfortunately less sure-footed. The directions that the story takes are signposted from early on, resulting in things being laid on thick regarding the themes and revelations. It must also be said that, in terms of isolated tales regarding a father’s spiral into madness amidst unforgiving weather, Farrelly’s work falls short of The Shining. Yet this does not hinder the terrific performances delivered, or the uncomfortable terror which viewers are made to feel.
It is also worth mentioning how distractingly anachronistic this film is, leaving one to wish that a few more checks were made before cameras started rolling. Additionally, when the film is supposed to be set during the potato famine, it is puzzling how the characters eat so many meals which clearly involve potatoes. When a film asks viewers to inhabit the world that it sets up, it is difficult to remain drawn into the terrors when such simple errors take one out of the film. Although, that does not diminish how terrifying An Taibhse can be throughout the inescapable horrors.
***½ 3.5/5
An Taibhse screened at this year’s Frightfest London
