Film Reviews

Swansong: The Story of Occi Byrne

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Gerard McSorley
• Details: Ireland / 90mins (15A).

Adapted by Sligo man Conor McDermottroe from his one-man play, the character of Austin 'Occi' Byrne isn't isolated to the North West of Ireland but can be seen in any town in the country. What works is the familiarity of Occi - we've all seen these 'odd' men talking to themselves or swans in our hometowns - and a powerful performance from McCann (The Pacific) in the titular role. What doesn't work is an ill-advised narrative detour towards the close.
Occi Byrne (McCann) swears he hasn't been right since he was rolled down a dune in a barrel by his 'mates' but if the truth be told he didn't have the greatest of starts before that. Born out of wedlock to Bridget (Whittaker) in the 70s, Occi and his mother were cast out by ashamed father Michael (McSorley); returning years later Bridget attempts to reconcile but Michael still harbours a grudge. Housed in a council home with help from the local priest (whom his mother has to have sex with to pay the rent), Occi attempts to lead a normal life. He grows up to be a messer, a wild kid who is the brunt of bully's jokes. Mentally fragile, Occi is interned at a mental hospital where he meets and falls for the depressed Mary (Marcella Plunkett) but not knowing who his father is eats away at him.
Swansong is sweet and lively but is not without it problems. The voiceover, and Occi's break of the fourth wall, pops up unexpectedly and is unneeded. The film exists in episodes, some of which more interesting than others, and one episode is uncalled for. When Occi lands a job on a trawler the story derails and forgets about his love for Mary and his search for his father. It's a long sequence and a rather big distraction and McDermottroe struggles to get the story back.
It's the performances, however, that will last in the memory. McCann's confident swagger keeps the film burning during its quieter moments while love interest Plunkett, although limited to lesser screen time, gives her depression a welcome understatement. Roe makes do with his small role, bringing warmth and heart to Occi's world. It's the increasingly impressive Whittaker, though, who is the only one in danger of stealing the movie from McCann.

Review by Gavin Burke