The Drummer and the Keeper

The Drummer and The Keeper is a 2017 Irish drama film directed by Nick Kelly that shines a spotlight on an unlikely friendship, with a mix of feel-good elements and genuine depth. At the heart of this story are two individuals - an impulsive drummer grappling with bipolar disorder and a talented teenage goalkeeper contending with Asperger's syndrome. Both Dermot Murphy and Jacob McCarthy give brilliant performances, effortlessly drawing viewers into their characters’ authentic, complex, and endearing lives.

Our tale opens with Gabriel (Dermot Murphy), a wildly talented drummer of a punk-rock band who orchestrates an uncontrollable and chaotic life, symptomatic of his untreated bipolar disorder. After an event involving pyrotechnics at his band’s gig, he finds himself “encouraged” by his bandmates to seek therapy. As part of his treatment, Gabriel's psychiatrist recommends a therapeutic mixed-ability football game, a suggestion which he initially brushes off.

Parallel to Gabriel’s world, we meet Christopher (Jacob McCarthy), a talented, young, and lonely goalkeeper who has Asperger's syndrome. Christopher lives in a residential home run by kindly but overworked staff, and his passion for football, goal-keeping in particular, is what helps him navigate life with relative predictability.

As fate would have it, these two contrasting lives intersect at the football pitch. Through a series of encounters, from a fiery first meeting to shared comical and emotional moments, we watch as an unusual friendship forms between them. Contending with their differing personalities, the storyline fits together these two characters’ lives like a puzzle, with Christopher's assured and routine-driven nature becoming a foil to Gabriel's wild unpredictability.

Dermot Murphy perfectly embodies the explosive, introspective Gabriel. His deep understanding of the complexities of his character shows in his controlled performance: showcasing Gabriel's manic highs and depressive lows without glamorizing or misrepresenting the realities of bipolar disorder.

Jacob McCarthy depicts Christopher with touching authenticity and sensitivity. Christopher’s prodigious goal-keeping skills and the obsessive nature of his love for football reflect the intense focus characteristic of people with Asperger's syndrome. He brings to life the sweetness of his character without exploiting or making him a caricature of his condition.

Adrian Hudson is notable as the benevolent Larry, a young care worker at Christopher’s residence who provides an additional layer of compassion and understanding. The diverse support cast, including the members of Gabriel’s band, the staff at Christopher's home, and even Gabriel's psychiatrist, aid impressively in emphasizing the tumultuous lives of our main protagonists.

Nick Kelly's storytelling is enhanced by John Gerard Walsh's deft cinematography, which captures the beautiful Irish landscapes and the intense, raw emotions of the characters with equal mastery. The soundtrack, teeming with original songs written by Kelly himself, accompanies the narrative seamlessly, with the pulsating rock tunes underlying Gabriel's wild life and temperament.

The Drummer and The Keeper is unflinching in its exploration of mental health, offering a genuine look into the trials faced by those struggling with such conditions. It doesn't shy away from showing the rough edges of living with these disorders, but it also paints a hopeful portrait of friendship and the support that can come from the most unexpected places.

While the film delves into the severity of these conditions, it doesn't allow the narrative to be engulfed by these challenges. Instead, humor, mutual understanding, and a common love for football provide a lighter and warmer ambiance throughout, demonstrating that despite their differences, friendship can flourish.

Themes of acceptance, understanding, and trust run deep in this film. As Gabriel and Christopher navigate the labyrinth of their lives and personal struggles, learning to lean on each other is a challenge that they both willingly face. Their bond, as unique as it is, is the heart and soul of the movie.

The Drummer and the Keeper is a profound, heartfelt film that uses its storyline and characters to great effect, exploring mental health issues without losing sight of its engaging narrative. Its focus on the power of friendship and acceptance offers a hopeful and empathetic perspective. Sporting excellent performances from its leads and an intriguing storyline balanced with light-hearted moments, the film provides a rich cinematic experience for viewers.