The South Westerlies

The South Westerlies is a captivating Irish drama-comedy hybrid show from Acorn TV that premiered in 2020. It brings a refreshing mix of small-town intrigue, character-driven narratives, and a touch of environmental activism, all wrapped up in a distinct Irish charm.

The plot centers around Kate Ryan (played by Orla Brady), an environmentally-conscious single mother who works for Noreg Oil, a Norwegian company attempting to establish a wind farm off the coast of Ireland. In a twist of irony, Kate must return to her hometown, the quiet, windswept coastal town of Carrigeen, decree that the project is environmentally sound, and convince the skeptical locals of its benefits. However, returning to her birthplace is far from straightforward for Kate, involving past romances, friendships gone sour, and other hidden secrets.

As an executive consultant for Noreg Oil, she's forced to adopt a new eco-friendly persona, concealing her employer's identity. The struggles Kate faces attempting to balance her personal life and growing secrecy with professional ambitions is a central theme of The South Westerlies. As the plot unfolds, viewers witness the clash of corporate powers with the preservation of local communities, set against the sweeping, breathtaking backdrop of the South West of Ireland.

Additionally, Kate has to manage her teenage son Conor (Sam Barrett), who's initially somewhat begrudgingly uprooted from his life and friends in Oslo. Conor finds difficulty assimilating in the unfamiliar setting and his mixed feelings about the town and its inhabitants add another layer to the show's narrative complexity.

Together, this mother-son pair navigate intricate dynamics with the locals, who include her high school sweetheart Baz (Patrick Ryan), feisty activist Breege (Eileen Walsh), and the cunning town Councilman, Big Mike (Steve Wall), among others. The assortment of engaging characters, each with their distinct quirks, contribute to the overall charm and warmth of The South Westerlies.

An aspect that’s explored further in the show is the ambivalence of locals towards wind energy. The coastal town’s residents are skeptical of the proposed wind farm, fearing it would disrupt their way of life, including their scenic views, fishing grounds, and beach tourism. As such, Kate's project is an uphill struggle, constantly facing opposition from various quarters.

The show adeptly uses humor to highlight the clash of lifestyles, sensibilities, and cultures between the rural Irish town and their supposed Norwegian benefactors. Yet, it also earnestly portrays the genuine issues faced by such small coastal communities in contemporary times.

The South Westerlies isn’t just about multinational corporations, environmental impacts, or small-town politics; it delves deeply into each character’s life, exploring their individual struggles, relationships, and growth. And it's these characters that breathe life into the coastal town of Carrigeen, making it feel real, alive, and relatable.

One of the distinguishing features of The South Westerlies is its wonderfully authentic local charm, where you're transported to the quaint seascape of Carrigeen. The beautiful cinematography, capturing the town’s wide sandy beaches, the roaring waves of the Atlantic, its whimsical lanes filled with colorful houses - all contribute to the visual appeal of the show.

The dialogue is brimming with light-hearted, occasional cheeky Irish humor, and the complexities of the plot are well-balanced with comedic relief and witty exchanges. Elements of romance, emotional drama, and the pinch of mystery surrounding Kate’s past, further add flavor to its engaging storytelling.

While The South Westerlies does deal with serious themes like corporate intervention, environmental activism and small-town resistance, it doesn't shy away from exploring the messy and confusing aspects of human relationships or the pressures of adapting to different cultural settings. It's a delightful blend of drama and comedy, with an intriguing environmental twist that stays grounded in its characters' day-to-day lives.

Overall, The South Westerlies, with its unique story and captivating performances, offers an engaging viewing experience that’s both pleasantly relaxing and thought-provoking. Each episode brings you closer to the charming yet complicated world of Carrigeen, making you a virtual part of its close-knit community. It's a heartwarming offering from Acorn TV that’s worth adding to your watchlist.