The Closer You Get

The Closer You Get is a 2000 British-Irish independent film directed by Aileen Ritchie and written by William Ivory. The movie is a heart-warming romantic comedy with an undertone of social commentary and sharp wit. Largely set in the stunning landscapes of County Donegal, Ireland, the movie stars Ian Hart, Sean McGinley, and Niamh Cusack among an ensemble cast that delivers a nuanced and captivating performance, bridging between notions of romance, humour, cultural dynamics and human expectations.

The storyline unfurls in the small Irish village of Kilsheelan, a place where time seems to have slowed down, encapsulating a traditional rural life and tranquillity that may seem monotonous to some. Among the residents is a group of men, including the likes of Kieran (played by Ian Hart) and his friend, butcher Ian (played by Sean McGinley). These men are regular folks who are dissatisfied with their current romantic prospects and are convinced that their love lives would sparkle if they can find the women of their dreams, which they believe are not in Kilsheelan.

Inspired by images of glamorous American women from movies and advertisements, these men, led by Kieran, place an ad in a Miami newspaper, hoping to lure American women to their picturesque Irish village. They dream of women who are different from what they perceive to be the stereotypical local girls. Simultaneously, the men start to spruce up, practicing their charming skills, and preparing to welcome their dream girls.

Meanwhile, the village's female population, particularly Siobhan (played by Niamh Cusack), find themselves amused and somewhat disgruntled at the men's outlandish plans. This narrative thread exhibits the men's misconstrued priorities and celebrates the women's wit, resilience, and tenacity. The women find creative ways to address this unusual predicament and keep their spirits high in the face of such an absurd situation.

The movie portrays brilliantly how the protagonists, stuck in their seemingly uneventful lives, rely on these amusing foreign fantasies to break away from the monotony. It subtly juxtaposes the men's fantasies with the reality of Kilsheelan's women, who are strong, dynamic and far from the stereotypes the men have wrongfully labelled them as. The sincere performances by the wide ensemble of actors create engaging characters that are relatable, not just caricatures of small-town folks.

The stunning location where the movie is set becomes a character of its own. The serene ambience of the Irish village with its beautiful landscapes, combined with an entrancing background score, significantly enhances the charm of The Closer You Get.

While primarily a romantic comedy, the film incorporates elements of drama and social commentary that bring depth to the storyline. Its gentle humour is largely derived from character interactions and cultural clashes rather than slapstick or farcical situations. The movie brilliantly reflects the irony of seeking exotic love while overlooking the relationships and people close at hand, hence magnifying the well-coined phrase, 'The grass is always greener on the other side'.

Director Aileen Ritchie employs a relaxed pacing, allowing the characters' dynamics and the plot's whimsical charm to unravel naturally. Meanwhile, William Ivory's thoughtful screenplay shines a light on the theme of mistaken notions about romance, companionship, self-worth, and life aspirations. At its core, The Closer You Get explores timeless concept of love and happiness being found where one least expects it.

While The Closer You Get delves into the idiosyncrasies of its characters and the cultural dynamics of Kilsheelan, it exudes universal appeal, thanks to its light-hearted storytelling and relatable themes. It is indeed an engaging cinematic experience and a nod to the magic of simple living and uncomplicated romance in a complex, distraction-riddled world.

In conclusion, The Closer You Get can be considered as a delightful cinematic journey that maneuvers its way through the path of humour, romance, and poignant reality checks. The film is a salute to the essence of village life, underpinned by stellar performances by its leads, especially Ian Hart, Sean McGinley and Niamh Cusack. Whether you are a fan of romantic comedies or simply enjoy a well-narrated story set in a stunning backdrop, 'The Closer You Get' is a must-watch.