I think that this movie started to lose steam in the final 20 minutes. This part of the movie also coincides with the big reveal about Ondine and her back story. Its interesting how the movie quickly shifts from the fairy tale feeling to a real-life atmosphere for this final 20 minutes. On second thought, the director accomplished exactly what he set out to do with this tonal shift. I guess I fall into the category of fans that wish that (Spoiler!!!) Ondine was truly a selkie rather than a drug mule escaping her abusive past life. When she was on the boat, helping Syracuse, I was thinking that she may just have been a selkie. The Irish landscape also provides a great backdrop between the fantasy like cabin area and the bleak aspects of reality of the village The performances were all on point by the cast. Colin Farrell truly looked and acted the part of a hard-working fisherman. The precocious daughter was excellent in her role, and I loved the delivery of "Curious and curiouser". Alicja Bachleda was also mysterious and enchanting in her portrayal of Ondine.
Ondine
(2009)
Straddles the line between between reality and fairy tale for a unique experience
26 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers