As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I have seen my fair share of movies that tug at the heartstrings and leave audiences in tears. However, The Quiet Girl has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on me. This Irish gem tells a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of kindness, all set against the beautiful backdrop of rural Ireland.
Exploring paths towards light, cherishing optimism, and diving into the essence of kinship – these are key motifs in “The Quiet Girl,” a 2023 Academy Award-nominated Irish film for Best International Feature Film. Known as one of the most overlooked films of 2023, it tells the story of Cáit (Catherine Clinch), a young girl who is sent to stay with her cousins Eibhlin (Carrie Crowley) and Seán (Andrew Bennett), as her extended family prepares for a new addition. Despite not having a choice in this matter, she agrees, particularly after hearing hurtful remarks from her parents that make her question her worth within the family.
Indeed, the narrative you’re describing isn’t entirely uncharted territory in cinema. The movie might prompt viewers to think of “The Glass Castle,” a film starring Brie Larson that is based on a true tale of childhood neglect. However, what sets “The Quiet Girl” apart is its climax. Upon arriving at her cousins’, Cáit is met with warmth, fostering her self-assurance. As their bond deepens with each joyful encounter, the movie concludes with a poignant scene where she wraps her arms around Sean and affectionately addresses him as “Daddy.
The word is spoken twice with distinct tones, conveying two contrasting messages. The conclusion is enveloped in vivid imagery and phrases that, while poignant, remain ambiguous and open to various interpretations. Upon an initial viewing, it may seem complex, so here’s a breakdown of the crucial scenes that reveal the true significance behind the ending of “The Quiet Girl.
What you need to remember about the plot of The Quiet Girl
As a devoted admirer, I find myself immersed in “The Quiet Girl,” where the character Cáit dwells amidst several siblings and resides with Mam (Kate Nic Chonaonaigh), who carries an unborn child, and Da (Michael Patric), who seems to immerse himself in vices such as drinking, smoking, and gambling. From the outset, it’s evident that Cáit’s family lacks understanding or interest in nurturing her. This becomes apparent when she gazes at a damp spot on her bed before scurrying beneath it upon hearing Mam’s footsteps. A brief moment later, her sisters question why Mam hasn’t prepared their lunches and swiftly accuse Cáit of her bedtime mishap. Such actions follow Da’s refusal to prepare the lunches, opting instead for leisurely smoking strolls throughout the house.
As Mam approaches her delivery date, she and Da decide to place Cáit with Mam’s relatives for temporary living until the new baby comes along. This journey seems to make Cáit uncomfortable, especially after picking up on hints that they might not welcome her back. Upon arriving at Eibhlin and Seán’s home, however, she is greeted warmly by Eibhlin who opens the car door with a smile, eager to meet her cousin. This marks the beginning of several instances that occur during household tasks and farm work, which help Cáit understand that this family is unique. It is in their distinctiveness that she discovers opportunities for personal growth.
What happened at the end of The Quiet Girl?
As Cáit embarks on her journey home to her family following her visit with her cousins, she becomes shy and reserved. Throughout this voyage, memories flood her mind, such as the time when their father lost their cow in a card game, which serves as a poignant reminder of what awaits her at home. As Seán and Eibhlin entertain Mam’s offer to share tea, their facial expressions convey their thoughts, perhaps contemplating whether or not they should bring Cáit back with them.
In the room walks Da, and an awkwardness unfolds when he remarks that Sean and Eibhlin couldn’t handle their numerous children. It’s a statement that seems rooted in Da’s own insecurity, as he notices that Cait is thriving under good care. The pair reacts with solemn expressions and chooses to depart.
In the narrative, I find myself bidding adieu to dear Cáit in a hushed, heart-wrenching manner alongside Seán and Eibhlin. Our departures are tinged with sorrow we struggle to conceal, exchanging brief goodbyes before I leap towards our car. Memories of tiny, significant moments flood my mind as I rush into Seán’s embrace. In that moment, he becomes a shelter for me. As our eyes meet, I spot Da, my heart swelling at the sight. “Daddy,” I whisper weakly as he draws near. My head sinks into Seán’s shoulder, and again I call out “Daddy,” this time with tender affection. The film then fades to black.
What the ending of The Quiet Girl means
In the concluding scenes of “The Quiet Girl,” the word “Daddy,” repeated several times, carries a profound significance. The shift in Cáit’s voice conveys to the viewers her true emotions towards Sean, as she wraps him tightly in an emotional hug. When Cáit first utters “Daddy,” it is with a trembling acknowledgment of her biological father, who has just caught her hugging Sean. This initial utterance resonates with apprehension, suggesting her feelings for Sean may surpass those for her own father. However, as the word is spoken again, it takes on a hollow and sorrowful tone, implying pain or even fear, perhaps because she is unsure if she will face punishment for desiring Seán more than him.
The second time she calls out “Daddy,” it’s into Sean’s shoulder, and her voice is brimming with awe and yearning to be near him and his wife, who is crying in the car. These final words serve as an emotional resolution, wrapping up the story after plunging viewers into the sorrow of Cait’s reunion with her biological family. However, the flicker of hope emerges through flashbacks depicting tender, simple acts of compassion that illustrate to the audience the profound influence that Cait, Sean, and Eibhlin have had on one another. The events following this moment remain uncertain.
Another possible explanation for the ending of The Quiet Girl
In “The Quiet Girl,” we primarily follow the story through Cáit’s eyes, but the film’s conclusion could also be perceived from the perspective of her cousins, Seán and Eibhlin. Early on in the movie, it is hinted that Seán and Eibhlin tragically lost their only son at a young age when he drowned. When Da departs with Cáit’s suitcase, they use their deceased son’s clothing to dress her. This reminder of their loss helps explain why they take Cáit under their care. While they are assisting their family, this visit offers them the opportunity to experience the presence of a child in their house once more – a chance for joy and healing after their tragic loss.
Yet, the presence of Cáit might also intensify their sorrow, as it triggers memories of the child they once lost. The joy of parenthood again is short-lived when they have to return her home. The expressions on her siblings’ faces convey the depth of the pain and neglect that has infiltrated each child’s daily life. Faced with Da’s hurtful remarks and Mam’s denial of family problems, Seán and Eibhlin come to terms with the fact that they must leave. They can only hope that they left a lasting impact on Cáit’s life, despite enduring a renewed form of their own grief.
What has the cast and crew said about the ending?
In a conversation with AFI, director and co-writer Colm Bairéad stated that “The Quiet Girl” isn’t solely about kindness but rather evokes the essence of childhood. He explained that the story’s progression isn’t its primary focus; instead, it was a daring move to trust the audience to empathize with the young protagonist and recall their own childhood feelings. This risky strategy culminates in a poignant ending that carries an even greater emotional impact due to being narrated from Cáit’s viewpoint.
Bairéad pointed out that using an increased aspect ratio helped to emphasize her viewpoint by making the floors and ceilings more noticeable. He explained that this was appealing because, as children, our vertical range is significant due to our smaller size compared to adults, which means we look up a lot more. Additionally, he mentioned that it was intriguing to them because this perspective or viewpoint hadn’t been fully explored yet.
In the movie, Cáit’s time with her cousins significantly broadens her perspective on life and self-perception, which amplifies the emotional impact of the ending. Here, she comes to understand that she is worthy and valued, as there are two individuals who express this sentiment towards her.
The cookie is more than just a cookie
As I watched “The Quiet Girl,” my heart swelled with emotion during the poignant scene where Cáit rushes towards Seán. One particular flashback stands out, though it might seem a bit enigmatic initially – the memory of a solitary cookie left on the kitchen table for her. This movie skillfully captures the essence of their relationship through its subtleties, and the gesture of giving Cáit one cookie is one of those profound moments shared between them that the audience is meant to grasp for its deeper meaning.
Seán generally keeps a low profile, often found in the background while his wife takes care of Cáit. Farm duties consume much of his time, and it’s through these shared tasks that he develops a connection with Cáit, who eventually assists him. Initially, Seán isn’t very enthusiastic about working alongside her. His hesitation around her might be due to the resurfacing of memories connected to his deceased son, thus stirring up feelings of grief once more.
Later on, he scolds Cáit after she strays during chores, but this was actually him expressing concern as he had been searching the entire property for her. Unfortunately, Cáit perceives his tone as anger, but things change when he leaves her a cookie. This sweet gesture is not only an apology, but also a glimpse into his compassionate nature – a trait that contrasts greatly with Cáit’s father.
Why the director believes The Quiet Girl is uniquely Irish
The Quiet Girl” narrates a universal story of neglect and hope, yet Colm Bairéad emphasized to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that it is uniquely Irish in its essence. The narrative transports viewers back to 1981, making delving into the past an effective method for telling a story that remains relevant today.
In the past, it wasn’t unusual to find large families or to send children away for a while to live elsewhere. Families could sometimes be overcrowded and overpopulated, and there was a particular mindset towards children which was different from today. They were expected to be quiet and obedient, and this seems to be particularly true of Irish culture.
The idea that children should be silent and obedient is a significant aspect of the storyline. It’s quite disheartening to observe this attitude in Cáit’s family when Da enters the kitchen at the start of the movie. Simply by being there, he silences a lively discussion among her siblings. This follows an earlier scene where a toddler is heard crying in a high chair, yet Mam, without pause, ignores the child’s distress.
How The Quiet Girl made history for the Irish language
2023 saw a significant moment for the Academy Awards as the Oscars broadcast every category for the first time. However, this year also made history by acknowledging the Irish language. The nomination of “The Quiet Girl” in the Best International Feature Film category was unexpected and noteworthy. This marked the debut of an Irish-language film being nominated for any Academy Award, as shared by Colm Bairéad during his interview with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The director highlighted that this recognition serves to preserve the language. “In Ireland, Irish is our official language, but sadly it’s a minority language in our country, and it’s an endangered one,” he stated.
Bairéad opted to utilize Irish language not just because of its preservation, but also due to its relevance to the film’s funding source – a fund dedicated to Irish-language films. During a dialogue with Angelika Film Center & Cafe, he expressed that this choice was partially driven by the story’s potential for an authentic and convincing Irish adaptation, given his upbringing in the language. He further mentioned that while certain regions of Ireland are more English-speaking, he felt that this project, derived from the English short story “Foster,” would be appropriately presented in Irish.
How does The Quiet Girl compare to its literary inspiration?
The movie “The Quiet Girl” is based on the short story “Foster,” written by Claire Keegan and first published in The New Yorker in 2010. This isn’t the only one of her works to be made into a film, as her book “Small Things Like These” is slated for release on the big screen in November 2024, with Cillian Murphy playing the lead role. Notably, Murphy also played a significant part in Christopher Nolan’s 2023 Academy Award-winning film, “Oppenheimer.
In 2018, Colm Bairéad shared his immediate reaction after watching “Foster” with Angelika Film Center & Cafe. He confessed to being captivated by it, finishing in just 45 minutes. By the end, he was moved to tears, expressing his affection for every aspect of the film. Although the movie primarily focuses on emotions, there is a deeper bond that isn’t explicitly shown on-screen. “Foster” unfolds through Cáit’s perspective, allowing readers to delve deeply into her thoughts. This narrative technique grants us access to the pivotal moment when her perception of kindness and family love undergoes a significant transformation – a change hinted at in the film’s ending.
The pivotal moment occurs when John (Seán in the movie) grasps her hand, causing her to reflect that her father would never have done the same. Struggling with these contrasting experiences, she begins to understand that this pair has essentially provided her with a home away from home. As they continue their walk together, she acknowledges this realization and allows it to deepen her longing for John, potentially making her more receptive to his affections.
What brings on Eibhlin’s response at the end of The Quiet Girl?
In a subtle yet impactful manner, Seán and Cáit’s tranquil connection echoes powerfully in the film’s finale; however, it’s Cáit’s bond with Eibhlin that sets the movie’s overall mood. Upon her arrival, Eibhlin affectionately welcomes Cáit, even going so far as to bathe her with comforting warm water – a luxury she’s not accustomed to. Eibhlin assures Cáit that this will become routine, and this conversation carries a dual significance: it’s not only the warm water Cáit will grow accustomed to but also the warmth of the home that has been extended to her.
Eibhlin nurtures and instructs Cáit in household duties, demonstrating the importance of teamwork within a family. As they work together, their bond deepens and they gain mutual understanding. This bond is so strong that it becomes evident to outsiders when they enter town. Once, even a shopkeeper assumed Eibhlin was Cáit’s mother, which Cáit secretly hopes is true.
In this scenario, each moment contributes to Eibhlin’s emotional farewell. When she discovers the difficult circumstances of Cáit’s family, Eibhlin feels overwhelmed and subtly stunned. She expresses genuine worry towards Mam, asking if everything is alright. However, Mam assures her that all is well, but Eibhlin can see through this facade. This heart-wrenching reality moves Eibhlin to tears as they depart. Eibhlin refrains from approaching Cáit as she hugs Seán, possibly because her own heartache is too immense.
How the ending of The Quiet Girl ushers in Cáit’s future
In “The Quiet Girl,” although the conclusion is fulfilling, it leaves several storylines unresolved, sparking curiosity about future events among viewers. Throughout the movie, Cáit develops affection for her cousins and gains insights into family values, and this transformation is evident when she reunites with her family at home.
The distinction between Cáit and her siblings is evident; she stands out in a vibrant dress, while they are dressed in earthy tones. Moreover, Cáit’s behavioral shift – her increased talkativeness and newfound confidence – is starkly contrasted with her sisters’ timid demeanor. This notable difference might mark the beginning of a transformative period for them all. One act of kindness can spark significant change, and the compassion shown towards Cáit could potentially inspire her sisters, leading to positive changes in their lives.
Though Sean and Eibhlin bid each other farewell at the end of the movie, it doesn’t rule out the possibility that Cait will revisit their home in summers. After all, she has to return to her family following the baby’s birth, but also because a new school year is approaching. This might imply that Cait could become an annual summer respite for them, offering her a permanent sanctuary where she can nurture and blossom with love and kindness.
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2024-12-02 18:30