Verdigris

Ireland, 2023

Marian (Geraldine McAlinden) is a dissatisfied in her middle-aged, middle-class existence. Trapped in a suffocating marriage and prematurely retired, she takes a job as a census collector to escape her crushing life at home. She becomes fascinated with Jewel (Maya O’Shea), an independent, sexually active teenager who appears to be everything Marian is not. Amidst concern and suspicion, an unlikely bond develops between the women. With vibrant humour that does nothing to undermine its social concerns, Verdigris won the Best Independent Film accolade at the Galway Film Fleadh, Best Narrative Feature at the Kerry International Festival and the Audience Award for Best Irish Film at the Newport Beach Film Festival this year and announces filmmaker Patricia Kelly as an exciting new voice in Irish cinema. She is supported by the terrific performances contributed by McAlinden and O’Shea, both exceptional in their contrasting roles.