Watch Lift

Lift is a 2016 independent film from Ireland that tells the story of a day in the life of a lift operator named Sean McNamara, played by Gerard McSorley. The movie is a character study that focuses on Sean and the various people he encounters throughout his day in the lift. The film's opening scene sets the stage for what follows. Sean arrives at his job as the lift operator in a large modern office building in Dublin. He settles into his cramped and isolated workspace as the traffic outside the building gradually increases.

Throughout the day, Sean interacts with a range of characters, each with their own story to tell. These characters include an angry businessman who is frustrated with Sean's slow lift, a pregnant woman who is struggling to carry her shopping bags, a young man who is negotiating his first day at work, and an elderly woman who is grieving the recent loss of her husband. Each of these interactions serves to highlight different facets of Sean's character, and we begin to see him in a new light.

As the day wears on, Sean's personal life begins to intrude on his work. He receives a call from his ex-wife, who is having trouble with their troubled son. This revelation adds an emotional depth to Sean's character, and we begin to understand why he is so isolated and why he takes his job so seriously.

The movie is shot entirely inside the lift, which creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension that perfectly matches Sean's inner turmoil. Each character's interaction is filmed in a single take, which adds to the feeling of intimacy and immediacy.

One of the most striking aspects of Lift is the performances. McSorley, who is perhaps best known for his role in the HBO series Game of Thrones, gives a nuanced and understated performance as Sean. He conveys the character's pain and isolation without ever resorting to melodrama. Fiach Kunz also delivers a strong performance as a young man who is trying to navigate the complexities of his first day at work. Hannah Crowley is particularly moving as the elderly woman who is mourning the loss of her husband.

The movie is also notable for its sense of compassion. Director Conor Armstrong Sanfey and writer Kealan Ryan have created a world where every character is struggling with their own issues, and yet all of them are capable of showing kindness and empathy towards each other. Even the angry businessman, who initially seems hostile towards Sean, is revealed to be a flawed but ultimately sympathetic character.

In conclusion, Lift is a beautifully crafted character study that explores themes of isolation, grief, and compassion. With its stunning performances and its innovative use of a single location, this movie is a must-see for fans of independent cinema.

Lift is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.