User reviews

What would you do, if you had to be untrue, to yourself and all you know, to retain the status quo, stop the waves from crashing down, keep from letting those close drown, hold the tidal swell at bay, what would be, the price you'd pay?

It's a very slow burn and if you're not in tune with the setting and the circumstance (maybe you don't like oysters) then you'll more than likely struggle to keep your head above water for more than half of it, but the performances are sound, especially Emily Watson who seldom disappoints, and it may leave you asking a few questions about what you would do in a similar scenario to the one presented, or indeed whether you accept the events played out as a possible reality at all.

The movie "God's Creatures" is an intense, heavy-duty drama about a mother's protective relationship with her son. To what extent can a mother's love for her offspring be acceptable and understood?

Emily Watson's performance as the mother Aileen O'Hara is simply brilliant, once again she lets us delve into the insecurity, regret, love, and ambiguity of a mother torn apart between being a mother and a woman. Emily Watson gives herself fully, just like she did in "Breaking the Waves".

Despite having this theme of guilt and shame, the movie has a somewhat excessive conclusion, especially because its plot is related to a form of unconditional love between mother and son.

"Brian" (Paul Mescal) has recently returned to his family home on the west coast of Ireland to a warm welcome from his mother "Aileen" (Emily Watson) and a largely indifferent one from his father "Con" (Declan O'Hara). For reasons we are not told, he has returned from Australia and is soon determined to pick up his ailing grandfather's oyster farming business. Despite knowing very little about this, he knuckles down and with the help of some "borrowed" half-grown's from the seafood factory where his mother works, seems intent on making a go of things. All is set fair until one evening, "Aileen" has to pay a visit to the police station where she learns of an accusation, a very serious accusation, being levelled against the apple of her eye. She reacts defensively, and firmly, as any mother probably would - but as the remainder of the story develops, we see her begin to reconsider her position. Might he actually have done what he was accused of? The story itself is all rather weak here, sorry. Some beautiful location photography and loads of lingering shots of folks having cigarettes doesn't really ignite this. The narrative is put together in a rather bitty, unconvincing, fashion and though Watson is on great form as the increasingly conflicted lady, Mescal offers very little beyond his hail-fellow-well-met character and the underlying gist of the story is seriously undercooked. It does offer us a glimpse of the difficulties faced by those making a living in this harsh and unforgiving environment and perhaps I will think twice before I eat an Irish oyster again, but I think too much emphasis has been placed on who is in this film rather than developing a story that has depth and detail and holds the attention of the audience. It is worth a watch, and it's co-produced by BBC Film so the telly at Christmas is sure to be a place to find it.

Emily Watson should be your sole reason to see this movie. You feel her in every moment she's on screen A masterclass in acting.

Paul mescal once again gives a brooding performance as her angry/repressed son.

The movie presents the idea of choices one makes when faced with a difficult scenario.

Do you put on a mask and protect a loved one, Even though your instincts say otherwise?

Or do you finally accept their true nature and do what is right or in her case, What's necessary, when they are immune to consequences.

It's a slow burn. I feel it could've been stronger in the script department and more depth on character motivations, perhaps a bit more detail on what may or may not have happened. The way Last Duel handled that subject matter.

The dad son conflict is sort of there. A fight happens and then oh well next.

Wonderfully dark and moody though . Good for a rainy afternoon/evening.

In dark, slow-burn Irish drama "God's Creatures" Paul Mescal returns from years in Australia to his fishing village home & family inc overjoyed ma Emily Watson (always solid), stoic da Declan Conlon & feisty sis Toni O'Rourke. But when Mescal's one-time gf Aisling Franciosi (good) accuses him of rape, and Watson lies to provide an alibi to get him off, a shadow falls over them all. Written (by Shane Crowley) & directed (by Saela Davis & Anna Rose Holmer) in deliberately & appropriately moody style it's evocative work, portraying a community & values seemingly of a different time & place to our own. While no adrenaline pumper, it's fine drama for those in the mood.

The viscerality of life is an inhabitant of the small corners of the world. In a meeting between the sea, the fog and the scarcity of a small town, Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer set the mood of the story.

The mystery captivates and at the same time disturbs, raising several questions about the dynamics between Watson's character and her son, played by Paul Mescal. As in the trailer, the sea swallows the plot in a failed attempt to take the audience deeper into the pains and other feelings displayed in the story.

In the end, we have a (almost) silent film starring Emily Watson's visceral gaze, but which, as the narrative unfolds, doesn't leave superficiality.

This feels like one of those classic cases of a trailer making a film look way way more dramatic / explosive than it actually is. It's actually a very very slow burn. I know the intention of this film is to be as true to real life as possible, but just a little bit more drama wouldn't have gone amiss?

Also, just SO much mumbling. Honestly that's my biggest take away. I love a thick Irish accent but pair it with mumbling and it's almost impossible to follow (unless you're Irish probably).

It was beautifully shot, gave me kind of Manchester by the Sea vibes. But yeah overall, not my fave of the A24 films. Found myself checking how long was left, never a great sign!

God's Creatures has an atmospheric setting and a great cast. But one huge flaw in the script fatally holes this ship below the waterline.

Brian returns from an extended sojourn to Australia and his mother Aileen is overjoyed. In fact, she is so happy that she fails to consider why her prodigal son was considered prodigal in the first place. In the scene where Brian appears, it is pointed out that he made no contact while in Australia, and no one even knew what city or town he was in.

Now, that is fine for that scene, but the question of what Brian did during his time in Australia is never re-visited. He meets old schoolmates, a bartender who is enamoured with him, but absolutely no one broaches the topic of Australia. This bizarre omission undermines all the work done to create an authentic sense of place and people. And it would be an easy fix, by, for example, having Brian tell contradictory versions to two people.

Whether it was not discussed in script development, or written but not shot, or shot but left out of the final cut, I do not know. But that egregious misfire in the creative process ruins what could have been an immersive, enjoyable cinema outing.

This is one of those stories that is simple, but executed brilliantly. A crisis of identity and of faith as the patriarchy dominates an allegation of sexual assault in a small fishing village. Examining the individual responses of the villagers, creating in-group out-groups that soon meet a flashpoint, yet trundle toward people wanting to normalize and go back to normal. And willfully forget the damage done and ongoing.

I think it's sad/hilarious that so many reviews call it shallow simply because they're triggered the dude is being maligned. It's a story. And it's not his story, nor does it need to be because it's not operating at the concrete level, for the most part.

Emily Watson kills it in this, as does the up-and-comer from the Normal People adaptation. Smart script, not too long, great shots, fantastic soundtrack. Starting my 2023 watch season out right. Excellent stuff.

God's creatures - started innocently and was nice to see the Donegal coastline in all its glory. Then it took a sinister turn with familial loyalties confusing right from wrong and 'shushing' what happened (sounds familiar).... It was, for me, quite poignant until the ending which I hated... would've got 8 but gets 6.5 for the very ill judged ending.

Emily Watson is brilliant as usual as the mother who will support her son, (played by the equally excellent Paul Mascal) who is accused of rape. How could HER son possibly commit such a crime? And so she assumes it didn't happen. But at what cost?

I suppose, correct is the honest definition of this film. A film about two worlds, so differrent and, in some measure, painful familiar.

A provocative subject explored in honest terms.

And beautiful work of Emily Watson, proposing a powerful, moving portrait of Aileen, a Paul Mescal interesting for the manner to be out the images created in Normal People and Aftersun, the seductive effort of Aisling Franciosi to explore, in subtle - precise manner, the universe of Sarah - the scene of Sarah front to her door , with so powerful Rennaisence touch is just magnificent -.

In short, one of familiar stories near us. A son and his abusive gesture , blamed by laws. A mother front to the option to help him , including for status of prodigal son. Beautiful images, correct exploration of dilemma and the perfect , in this case, for this subject, slow rhytm. And the fair end.

In many senses, a question - film to the audience. Great acting, nice music and a simple way to build the subjective truth, in many cases- situations, the only significant one.

In short, fair work. Emilz Watson.

An apt depiction of the deep-rooted misogyny that still prevails under the shade of crushing patriarchy, it is a tale that demonstrates how deeply ingrained these misconducts are, how such misbehaviours are bred and advocated, generation to generation, and such maladjusted upbringing could scar anyone let alone a child's susceptible mind, it could persuade them, it could influence them to take the wrong path, to do something immoral because there is nobody to correct their iniquities, to hold the reins.

Sometimes, it seems like the only way out of these poisonous pits is to leave everything behind and go somewhere else, someplace safer; it doesn't mean it's the right thing to do, but a lot of the time, that's the only option left for us.

"God's Creatures" aspired to illustrate the same harsh reality, often overlooked by society and the people who live and are an active part of it. Further bolstered by a couple of compelling performances and an array of arresting imageries that left their own imprints.

As a fan of Emily Watson I tried really hard to like this film, but it just never captured my imagination from the start. It felt like just another gritty, warts n all poverty ridden, despairing film of people living life on the brink of despair.

The awful screeching violin music didn't help, neither did the difficult to watch relationship between Aileen and Brian.

Perhaps most of all was the fact that as there story did no engage me, I found I was missing plot points. Who was she? Where does she fit in? What was that scene all about I didn't understand it. What has what they've just said got to do with the film?

It got to the point where I didn't really know what the film was about. Yes I could have watched until the end and it may have become obvious, but what's the point of a story that you only understand at the very end?

On the plus side Paul Mescal seems to be developing nicely as an actor, and Emily Watson still knows how to act although her direction in this film was lacking I think.

It's definitely not a film I will put away and keep for a rainy day.

This is an intense and complex movie that manages to balance big questions about responsibility, family, and society, with big emotions.

Its quite a hard one to talk about without including spoilers, but essentially Brian (Paul Mescal) returns home to Ireland from Australia, and his mother Aileen (Emily Watson) is overjoyed to see him. But this doesn't last...and Brian's actions mean that Aileen must make some pretty big decisions.

The landscapes are stunning (I want to visit Ireland!) but they are outshone by the acting - especially Emily Watson, who is able to express so much just with a look. The storytelling feels really finely calibrated without it being contrived, and it manages to reach a dramatic climax that really hits you hard. And the music is great as well.

Overall, an important film tackling questions that still matter so much, but more than that, its the emotional journey that it takes you on - and Watson's performance - that make it so rich, compelling and urgent. What more could you want!?

If A24 wasn't behind this film I doubt I would of checked it out. I like a lot of their films but this was a waste of time. It had the elements to be great, but unfortunately it missed the mark. It starts out ok and there's an erie vibe throughout the film. But when it was all said and done, nothing happens. It had a few good scenes here and there and the score helps carry the film. But it was missing any sort of intensity. The only reason I would suggest watching this film is if you can't sleep. It was like visual melatonin. Other then that, it's not a film I'd recommend or watch again. Don't make the mistake I made and be fooled by the A24 logo, watch something else. Basic 5 stars.

I love Emily Watson and I love most Irish films but this was like nails on a chalk board irritating. The background music ruins it for me. The subject matter is dark & depressing but I honestly think I could've handled it if it weren't for the horrendous soundtrack. I usually like anything filmed by the seaside. There are no likable characters and I found myself fast forwarding halfway through the movie just to get to the point. If I didn't pay $6.99 to rent this, I wouldn't have bothered haha. The acting is excellent though and the scenery is great but boy is this a hard movie to like. No thanks to the music!

I went to see this on release day with high expectations because of the cast and they were more than met. Emily Watson plays an Irish woman in a small fishing village whose son arrives unexpectedly from abroad. He's the prodigal son - wants to take over the family business, has unresolved issues with his father. But - as the film goes on - you realise he may have a darker side. Paul Mescal plays the son and is absolutely riveting - initially similar to the Normal People character he's famous for, but becomes much darker as the film progresses.

Without spoiling the story - something happens that puts Emily Watson's character in a very difficult place - and her actions have repercussions that tear through the family and the village.

The film is beautifully made - it looks and sounds great and the sountrack is wonderful. But it's the performances that really stand out - Watson and Mescal and in particular Aisling Franciosi who has an important role as a young woman in the community.

It's emotionally complicated, and says a lot about many current issues. I loved it.