48 Angels is an Irish film notable for its beautiful cinematography and haunting narrative. The film, set in contemporary Northern Ireland, was directed by Marion Comer and stars Ciaran Flynn, John Travers and Shane Brolly.
We're first introduced to Seamus, a young Catholic boy dying of cancer. When doctors decide to give up on chemotherapy treatments, Seamus decides to go on a solo boat voyage to meet God before God meets him, taking inspiration from the story of Saint Columcille - with the hope that God will grant him a miracle. Like Columcille, Seamus casts off his oars once away from shore and drifts freely.
Hitting shore eventually, Seamus first meets James a troubled older Protestant boy that shares the same name, etymologically speaking. James has recently witnessed his policeman father being murdered in the family driveway, and has acted out and become a troubled young man who needs to confront his emotions and thoughts in order to heal.
Next, the two boys discover Darry, an injured criminal recently out of prison and on the lam from the law for an attempted terrorist bombing. Darry appears at first to be dead but Seamus has faith that he will recover. The two boys proceed to help Darry find his way back to health and the three continue together, each on their own personal journey - Seamus feeling he has found Jesus Christ in Darry, James fighting with the possibility that Seamus may actually be right, and Darry confronting the schism between his past present through meetings with old aquaintances who've moved on from and changed over the years that Darry was in prison.
Through the relationship, travels and unfolding drama between the three characters, the movie explores issues of death, brotherhood, Irish religious differences. The vague, seemingly allegorical plot leaves the movie open to various interpretations and reactions. A good knowledge of the story of Saint Columcille might enrich one's appreciation for and understanding of the film - were I a more reputable journalist - I'd certainly look into that and spare you, dear reader, the trouble....
My reserach shortcomings aside, I can assure you that the movie is rich with stunning visuals that could almost serve as a promotional video for Irish tourism - ooh! the lush green landscapes. And the soundtrack is equally intoxicating with its spacious washes of delicate, distant, mournful tone and a sound of water-laden foley track that could itself almost serve as an audio art piece in and of itself. The acting is very good and though you may not come away from the film feeling that you've learned or grown to understand anything in particular -it will get under your skin, affect you and leave you with something to think about. A very good film.
