The Wiremen

One of the joys of writing an amateur film blog is the (very) rare occasion when you get to see a film before everyone else. I had the chance this week and it's one of those little things that would give you a lovely little buzz. The film i got to see was called The Wiremen.

The Wiremen is a short animated story from JAM media about the introduction of electricity into rural Ireland. For little Rosie it was a source of wonder and amazement and for others it was unwanted modernity barging it's way into their lives.

This was just lovely. In the space of 9 short minutes we get a tale that's funny, atmospheric, unnerving, touching and still relevant 52 years after it's set. It's a tale of imagination and the excitement we used to feel before the cynicism of adulthood ruined us, innocence and the fear of losing it and how encroaching technology can forever change not only the appearance of a place but also it's mindset. It's an unmistakably Irish story too. Our glorious accents, allusions to Celtic fairytales of old that still abounded in the darkness before the introduction of artificial light and in a very funny scene, a nod to one of the most infamous moments in Irish pop culture history.

It's a beautiful looking story too. The opening scene reminded me a little of Cartoon Saloon films before pleasingly heading off in it's own direction. Eerie, swirling night time scenes filled with menace, lovely character design that will make you laugh at once and shudder later and a final image that's goosebump inducing. On top of all that the voices of Ruth McCabe, Barry Ward and Alisha Weir bring it all to life. Each voice complimenting it's owner perfectly and in a few short sentences building an individual. 

Director Jessica Patterson, writer Paul Cahill and producers Dave Minogue & Richard Gordon have created a modern fairytale. One that pares away unnecessary filler and distills a lovely story down to it's purest essence. It's a joy to watch and hopefully it's one that will find a wide audience.

Screening tomorrow at the Galway Film Fleadh.