Watch I Used to Live Here

I Used to Live Here is a 2014 Irish movie that revolves around Amy Keane, a thirteen-year-old girl living in a small town. The story starts with the tragic news of a boy from her school, Conor, committing suicide by drowning himself in a river. Amy is taken aback by the incident, and her schoolmates are struggling to cope with the loss of Conor, who was an incredibly kind and loved individual. Soon after, the town becomes the center of focus when another teenager goes missing.

This act of violence, coupled with the suicide of Conor, puts a toll on Amy’s mental stability. The entire premise of the story is derived from Amy’s perspective on life, and how she attempts to cope with both grief and adolescent life.

The movie has a straightforward narrative, where Amy’s vulnerability and innocence shine throughout. She is intrigued by death and finds a sort of solace in contemplating the same. This virtual fascination with passing away - something that she cannot control - is a defense mechanism that she has employed to deal with the loss of those close to her.

I Used to Live Here is a film that encapsulates how a community responds to a traumatic event. It shows how the adults of the community struggle to address the issue and how the kids strive to cope with their emotions.

Jordanne Jones plays the role of Amy with grace and maturity. She effortlessly portrays the emotions that Amy is experiencing, as she comes to grips with her surroundings - both the natural elements of her home and the human elements of her community.

Dafhyd Flynn plays the role of Ben, an older neighbor of Amy, who befriends her and offers her insights on grief coping mechanisms. His portrayal of a mentor figure with a dark past is thought-provoking and engaging, as we witness Amy’s transformation under his influence.

James Kelly takes on the challenge of conveying the inner turmoil that a teenager goes through. His character, Ian, is struggling with his own demons and is reacting differently to the events of the story. Thus, he provides an excellent juxtaposition to Amy’s character, as we see how different people cope with trauma.

The direction and cinematography are noteworthy, as the film makes excellent use of the landscape in painted in. The various landscapes of the town and its riverbank give the serene environment a contrasting feel, as the story unfolds.

Overall, I Used to Live Here is an excellent portrayal of how we cope with grief and the aftermath of such tragic events. The movie is even more relevant in today’s day and age, as both parents and teenagers alike are experiencing a rise in mental health concerns. The film is both thought-provoking and emotional, and it certainly leaves a heavy impact on audiences.