Watch Float Like a Butterfly

Float Like a Butterfly is a 2018 coming-of-age drama film directed by Carmel Winters. The film follows the story of Francis (Hazel Doupe), a 15-year-old Irish Traveller girl who dreams of becoming a boxer like her hero Muhammad Ali. The movie is set in 1960s Ireland, where Francis and her family face prejudice and discrimination because of their Traveller identity.

Francis lives with her parents and younger siblings in a caravan in rural Ireland. Her father Michael (Dara Devaney) is a former boxer who has been in and out of prison, and her mother is absent after being institutionalized for her mental health issues. Francis is therefore responsible for taking care of her family and younger siblings.

Despite the challenges she faces, Francis is a determined and strong-willed girl, who is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself and her family. She is passionate about boxing and spends her free time training and honing her skills, with the support of her father, who recognizes her talent and encourages her to pursue her dreams.

As Francis trains and prepares for a forthcoming boxing match, she faces resistance from her patriarchal community, who disapprove of girls boxing and believe that women should stay at home and focus on their domestic duties. Francis must navigate the challenges of growing up as a girl, trying to fit into a society that does not accept her, and dealing with the loss of her mother.

The movie portrays a nuanced depiction of the Irish Traveller community, highlighting their rich culture, traditions, and way of life. It also explores themes of identity, class, gender, and family, providing a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the social landscape of Ireland in the 1960s.

Hazel Doupe delivers a remarkable performance as Francis, capturing the complexities of her character with authenticity, depth, and vulnerability. She portrays Francis as a multifaceted individual, who is both strong and vulnerable, resilient and sensitive, determined and compassionate. Doupe demonstrates a natural aptitude for boxing, showcasing her physical prowess and athletic ability, as well as her emotional range and captivating screen presence.

Dara Devaney is also impressive as Francis's father Michael. He conveys a potent mix of vulnerability, masculinity, and paternal love, creating a believable and relatable father-figure who struggles to come to terms with his past mistakes and regrets. Johnny Collins is equally noteworthy as the villainous local boxer Christy, providing an intimidating and menacing presence that adds tension and suspense to the film.

The direction, cinematography, and production design are all first-rate, capturing the beauty and harshness of the Irish landscape, as well as the gritty and authentic feel of the Traveller community. The film's soundtrack, which features traditional Irish music and contemporary pop hits, adds an additional layer of emotional resonance, enhancing the film's mood and atmosphere.

In conclusion, Float Like a Butterfly is a compelling and poignant film that explores the power of identity, culture, and resistance in the face of adversity. It is a coming-of-age story that will resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, delivering a powerful and inspiring message of hope and perseverance.

Float Like a Butterfly is a 2019 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.