Song of the Sea – Review

Not many filmmakers can boast of having made two feature films and had them both nominated for an Academy Award. But Tomm Moore can – as following on from the congenial, enchanting tale The Secret of Kells, which he co-directed alongside Nora Twomey, his second endeavour Song of the Sea was also recognised in the Best Animated Feature category – and you can most certainly why. In fact, Moore can consider himself rather unlucky to have missed out on taking the Oscar home.

When a mother passes away, her widowed husband (Brendan Gleeson) is left to bring up their two young children, Ben (David Rawle) and his little sister Saoirse. The latter is the last known selkie – which in Irish folklore is a fairy who originated as a seal, now drawn to the sea. Because of this, she is taken to live with her grandmother (Fionnula Flanagan) in the city to get away from the lure of the ocean, but when she encounters three fairies, trapped in the modern world, she realises that in order to free all of her fellow people, Saoirse must sing the selkie song.

This picture comes to life in a breathtaking manner on the big screen: it is a glorious visual experience. The hand-drawn, intricate animation style is mesmerising, while in the background is a persistent implementation of swirls and fanciful imagery, enhancing the enchantment of the piece, while it’s free of any contrived whimsicality. But it’s not just about the aesthetic, as the moving narrative is a layered and absorbing one. We study the theme of grief and parenthood, and how a young child responds to losing his mother. It’s of real commendation to Moore that we can connect with this piece on an intimate level – as while he explores naturalistic themes, such as the way Ben is jealous and over-protective of his younger sister, they are placed in such a grandiose environment, and yet we never lose sight of the subtle, human themes, amidst the more surrealistic elements.

Song of the Sea is an ineffably magical piece that plays heavily on traditionalism and folklore to make for a film that will appeal to both parents and children alike, as while this film comes equipped with a certain charm and playful atmosphere, the prevalent themes of loss and grief will ensure that this isn’t limited solely to the younger members of the audience.