In Calf, Jamie O’Rourke crafts an intense and unsettling portrait of rural Irish life, shadowed by trauma and isolation. Following a sinister incident on a farm, young Cait must confront a horrific choice, mirroring the tragic weight of domestic abuse in an environment where secrets are kept and suffering is silenced. Through restrained storytelling, the film brings a striking depth to themes of grief and shock, balancing horror with sensitivity, and ultimately offers a nuanced, cathartic exploration of survival.

O’Rourke’s directorial precision shines in the film’s rural cinematography, capturing the bleak beauty of the Irish countryside as both a sanctuary and a prison. Muted colors and dim lighting paint Cait’s world in a subdued palette, enhancing the narrative’s tone and deepening her emotional isolation.

Isabelle Connolly’s performance as Cait is nothing short of remarkable, portraying resilience and vulnerability in a role that demands empathy without overt expression. It is not hard to understand why she has been tipped to be Ireland’s newest rising star. It is the silent strength she so well plays that underscores the film’s powerful message: in the absence of support, survival is an act of courage.

Written by Rosie Carrington