Kirandeep Yoder
The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.
woodenchin
STALKER is quite a brilliant examination of mental illness. It also shines a rather scorching light on addiction, abuse, class struggle, and the dysfunction of government. Yes indeed, this one has a lot to say. And every single moment of the film's run time is majestically anchored by its cast; its entire cast. I can't think of the last time I've experienced an ensemble that was more committed, more believable, or more engrossing to watch. Top to bottom O'Connor, along with these fine actors has constructed a horrifically engulfing story. It, of course, all starts with Connors' Oliver and Keoghan's Tommy. Both men convey the confusion, sadness, pain, and plight of their respective worlds magnificently. Their performances leave the viewer no choice but to both care for and fear Oliver and want no harm to come to the young, tortured Tommy. And even though the whole mess ends a tad abruptly, it does so in such an appropriately awful manner, that mouths might just be left agape (in a very good way mind you). STALKER is a high recommend, another fine example of the strength that exists within the Irish genre film community (filmmaker O'Connor is ace), and a stark reminder that what goes on in the hearts and minds of troubled men often has devastating consequences. [9/10] ~Conduit [@conduit_speaks]
