Watch Get Up & Go

Get Up & Go is a quirky and charming independent Irish film from 2014 that follows two best friends, Alex (Peter Coonan) and Coilin (Killian Scott), over the course of one day in Dublin. The movie captures the essence of young adulthood, and the struggle to figure out life's direction while still holding onto the hope and optimism that comes with youth.

The film opens with Alex waking up in his small, messy apartment and realizing that he's overslept for his shift as a cafe waiter. Meanwhile, Coilin is still out partying after a wild night, and hasn't come home yet. As the day progresses, the two friends cross paths several times, each dealing with their own issues and trying to figure out what they want from life.

Alex is struggling to make ends meet, dealing with an unsupportive girlfriend, and wondering whether he's going to be stuck in his dead-end job forever. He dreams of being a musician, but lacks the confidence to pursue his passion. Coilin, on the other hand, is a free-spirited writer who's struggling with writer's block and a general sense of aimlessness. He's still hung up on his ex-girlfriend, and isn't sure if he's ready to move on.

As the day progresses, Alex and Coilin meet up with a colorful cast of characters, including a drug dealer with a heart of gold (played by the always-excellent Brian Gleeson), a wise-beyond-her-years teenage girl, and a pair of elderly musicians who offer Sage advice. Through these encounters, Alex and Coilin gain perspective on their own lives and come to the realization that they need to take action if they want to achieve their dreams.

What sets Get Up & Go apart from other coming-of-age films is its authenticity. The movie captures the gritty, often-unromantic reality of life in Dublin, from the cramped apartments to the rainy streets to the ubiquitous cafes. The characters are all three-dimensional, flawed, and relatable, and the dialogue feels natural and unforced. There's a definite sense of nostalgia permeating the film, but it never feels forced or overly sentimental.

One of the film's strengths is its performances. Coonan and Scott have a natural chemistry as Alex and Coilin, and their friendship feels genuine and lived-in. They both bring a sense of vulnerability to their roles, and it's easy to root for them to succeed. Devereux is also excellent as Alex's girlfriend, who initially comes across as cold and unsupportive but gradually reveals herself to be more complex than she first appears.

The film's soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a mix of indie and Irish music that perfectly captures the film's tone. There are several scenes where Alex performs his original music, and Coonan's performances are impressive - he has a rough, plaintive voice that suits the material well. The music feels like a natural extension of the film's themes of artistic expression and personal growth.

If there's one criticism to be made of Get Up & Go, it's that the film occasionally feels meandering. There are several scenes that don't contribute much to the overall story, and the film's pacing can be slow at times. However, these shortcomings are minor considering the overall strengths of the film.

In the end, Get Up & Go is a heartfelt, honest portrayal of young adulthood and the search for meaning. It's a film that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt lost or uncertain about their future, and its message of perseverance and self-discovery is universal. With its strong performances, authentic setting, and memorable soundtrack, Get Up & Go is a film that deserves to be seen.