Film Reviews

On the Edge

• Rating:
• Director: John Carney.
• Starring: Cillian Murphy, Stephen Rea, Tricia Vessey, Jonathan Jackson, Simon Delaney, Aidan Kelly, Christopher Lori, Anna Manahan, Gerald McSorley
• Details: Ire / 90 mins / (15PG).

On the Edge features Cork-born rising talent, Cillian Murphy playing a 19-year-old called Jonathan Breech. After the death of his father, Jonathan attempts suicide by driving his car over a cliff but escapes with minor injuries. Sent to a psychiatric hospital, he bonds with two other patients, Rachel (Vessey) and Toby (Jackson), as well as doing his best to alienate his psychiatrist, Dr Figure (Rea). Considering the subject matter, it's inevitable that comparisons are going to be drawn between On the Edge, and Good Will Hunting or Girl, Interrupted. But while Carney lacks the visual creativity of his more established peers, he still adds an air of authenticity to the story, with both dark humour and genuine sentiment occasionally surfacing. Much of this is helped by the marvelous performance by Murphy. Although ultimately a trifle predictable and meandering - despite its short running time - On the Edge is at least a step in the right direction for Irish cinema.

Review by Garreth Murphy