Grief stricken Róise lost her husband, Frank, two years ago. Her son, Alan, worries about her but the arrival of a mysterious dog seems to bring happiness to her life once more. Róise soon comes to believe that the dog is, in fact, Frank reincarnated. He has come back to be with her again… and to coach the local sports team…
Bríd Ní Neachtain
Róise
Cillian O'Gairbhi
Alan
Lorcan Cranitch
Donncha
Ruadhán de Faoite
Maidhcí
Michelle Beamish
Anna
Claire O'Connor
Sinéad
Peadar Cox
Sonnaí
Deaglan de Paor
Cormac
Cormac Hennessy
Jack
Seán Mac Gearailt
Conor
Áine Ní Mhuirí
Monica
Jim Cunningham
Séamas
Elaine O'Hara
Eileen
Aonghus Og McAnally
Garda
Jeanne O'Connor
Pauline
Seán T. Ó Meallaigh
Greg
Tara Carpenter
Sally
Olga Wehrly
Lisa
Áine Ní Laoghaire
Sarah
Susie Lambe
Gráinne
Domhnall Ó Murchadha
Pól
Liam Ryan
Liam
Deuglán Turraoin
Hugh
Martin Angolo
Martin
Nioclás Maccraith
Tadhg
Emma Walsh
Lynn
Eilís Carey
Jessica
Luisne Nic Craith
Máire
Mamie Ní Chionnfhaolaidh
Sorcha
Mark Lawrence
Doctor
Myfi Clancy Davis
Síle
Barley
Frank Madra
Meg Ní Ríain
Cáit
Mark Lawrence
Dochtuir
Director, Writer
Rachael Moriarty
Director, Writer
Peter Murphy
Script Editor
Paul Fitzgerald
August 6, 2023
8
How refreshing it is to watch a sweet, touching family film without it oozing enough sugary syrup to make even the most hardened stomach nauseous. Such is the case with the latest offering from writer-directors Rachael Moriarity and Peter Murphy, a warm, loving, heartfelt tale about a profoundly saddened and withdrawn Irish widow, Róise (Bríd Ní Neachtain), who springs back to life with the arrival of a mysterious stray dog whom she suspects is the reincarnation of her late husband. While those in her life are supremely skeptical, she can’t deny the plethora of synchronicities that occur that reveal the tail-wagging rascal’s true nature. By coming back, “Frank” helps his wife emerge from her prolonged grief and assists others, such as a geeky young neighbor boy in becoming a proficient hurling player, a sport that the dog’s human predecessor fanatically loved. But there’s even more to Frank’s return, as seen in a heart-tugging series of unexpected twists and turns that will positively leave viewers teary-eyed with joy. Despite a few predictable story elements, “Róise & Frank” nevertheless manages to delight in a natural, emotionally grounded way that never seems forced or artificial, thanks to its fine performances, breezy writing, beautiful cinematography of the Irish landscape and affecting original score. This enchanting Gaelic language offering will charm audiences to no end without ever resorting to schmaltz or manipulation, earning every reaction it evokes. Like its four-legged protagonist, this one could indeed leave viewers coming back for more.