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Billy and Breda Farrell are about to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. What should be a time of enjoyment turns out to be a case for the Farrell's home problems come to a head. Billy, a telephone lineman loves to stay out with his friends at the pub, rather than being at home with Breda and the two children they have. The spark of what once was holding these two is obviously gone. This couple is in need of some serious counseling if they are to remain together.Breda, a lovely woman, has not the same opportunities her husband has. She is the home maker, staying in most of the time. As the day of the celebration arrives, Breda decides on a new look with a visit to a salon where her looks are dramatically changed. Breda goes out with her friend Eilish to a club. Billy will join them later. He has another thing in mind when he is told of a party at the home of the Egans, where their daughter Imelda, a gorgeous woman he likes, will be. Breda realizes Billy is not coming for her, so she decides to take a stroll along the water. Meeting the kind Eoghan, who clearly likes her, presents an opportunity to vent her disappointment at a marriage that has failed miserably.Directed by Declan Recks, this film shown on cable recently was a nice surprise. Written for the stage by Eugene O'Brien, the material was adapted by the playwright himself. The result is a film that in its 83 minutes running time packs a lot. At the center of the story is Billy Farrell, a man who having reached some kind of stability, has lost interest in the relationship with Breda. He prefers to be out with his cronies drinking at their favorite pub, rather than staying home with a woman who has given him everything. Breda craves for what she does not have as Billy appears to be blind to her needs. She is a mature woman with desires unfulfilled by the man she loves. Her encounter with Eoghan satisfies her for a moment, until she realizes it is not what she really wants.The achievement of director Declan Recks is the excellent performances he gets from this first rate cast. Eileen Walsh, whom we had enjoyed in "The Magdalene Sisters", is an amazingly talented actress, as she proves in the film. She is matched to perfection by Aidan Kelly, a television actor who should be seen more in films. The supporting players are exceptional. We need to single out Padraic Delaney and Leslie Conroy who are simply wonderful.This is the first feature film by Mr. Recks we have seen. He shows a talent worthy of the Irish cinema.
