Sunlight – Film Review
by Frank L

Director Claire Dix
Writer Ailbhe Keogan
Stars – Barry Ward, Liam Carney, Maureen Beattie

Claire Dix’s Broken Song was an award-winning documentary film in 2013. This is her first scripted film and it was written by Ailbhe Keogan (Run and Jump 2013, Joyride 2022). It is filmed in and around Dublin and it deals with Leon (Barry Ward), a young man who has remained clean for three years after a lifetime of drug addiction.

His mentor in this achievement is Iver (Liam Carney) to whom Leon is devoted. Leon’s life centres around his music and his relationship with Iver. His life is turned upside down by the news that Iver has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and even worse for Leon, Iver wants to die. Leon has been getting advice from Maria (Maureen Beattie) who is a calm, no-nonsense woman who wants to help him. Leon believes a day of adventure in Dublin will help Iver change his mind. To that end, he pushes Iver around in his wheelchair along with Maria on a madcap trip which includes a visit to a stable, a ride on ponies dressed as Vikings and a pint in a pub. Iver has a great day out but the issues he’s facing remain.

The roles of Iver and Leon are immensely challenging given the issue which divides them. Carney and Ward make a fine duo. Ward as Leon is joyous about his life with his drug problems part of his past. He has an immense sense of gratitude to and dependence on Iver. Given the challenges facing Iver, the sombre nature of events is not and cannot be hidden but Keogan’s script and Dix’s direction make for a film which is thoughtful with a good dash of merriment.

The issues raised by this film are far from simple and people will hold legitimately contrary opinions.  Some will inevitably dislike or even object to the issues being aired. However, Dix and Keogan and the performance of the three principal actors make the difficult issue at its heart more comprehensible. It is a gentle film, almost whimsical, with a serious topic centre stage.