Get Up and Go – Movie Review by Laura Marriott

Director: Brendan Grant
Writer: Brendan Grant
Stars: Peter Coonan, Killian Scott, Gemma-Leah Devereux

Get Up and Go stars Love / Hate alumnus Peter Coonan and Killian Scott as two late twenty something housemates stumbling through life in Dublin; trying to decide whether they are on the right track, or whether they would be better leaving. Written and directed by Brendan Grant the film follows the friends over a hectic 24 hour period. The film is set and shot purely in and around central Dublin, with the roads, shops and landmarks being instantly recognisable to locals. Filming took in locations such as Smithfield, Parnell Square and the Northside Quays among others.

It is particularly nice to see an urban image of Dublin which does not revolve around crime; instead showing a more youthful and even vibrant side to the city which has rarely been seen on screens in recent years. Both actors and the supporting keep their own accents; again showing a real and non-stereotypical side to Irish life. The fully rounded supporting cast shows young Dubliners tackling the difficulties of modern life without being bought down by them includes Gemma-Leah Devereux, Sara Lloyd-Gregory, Emma Eliza-Regan and Sarah McCall. The theme of emigration is present in the film but not laboured. As their artistic careers appear to be going nowhere and the love lives veer dramatically off course the decision of whether it is time to get up and go is pressing in on them? As the film’s stars make the decision over the course of the day as to whether to stick it out in Dublin or escape to London, as so many have before them, it echoes the lives and decisions being made by many of the audience.

Their friendship is nuanced and believable. The exchange of money, chasing after the same women and similar paths in life make their relationship instantly recognisable. The film is funny but not hilarious but the casting is spot on, with Coonan playing charming ladies’ man and musician Alex, and Scott playing socially awkward aspiring comedian Colin. The final scene was tender but cut abruptly short. Otherwise this realistic, upbeat comedy is as much an ode to the city as to the relationship between Coonan and Scott. As they navigate their way through their twenties they face the problems and confusions that we all face and their attempts to come to a final decision are touching and well portrayed.