Watch The Belly Of The Whale

The Belly Of The Whale is a 2018 Irish dark comedy movie directed by Morgan Bushe. The film features an ensemble cast of Michael Smiley, Pat Shortt, Art Parkinson, and Lewis McDougall, among others. Set in a small Irish town, the story follows the misadventures of two unlikely partners-in-crime, who team up for a series of heists to reclaim their lost fortunes.

The film opens with a rundown, melancholic small town, where everything seems to be going wrong for its residents. Martin (Michael Smiley), who is a former crime boss, is on the brink of bankruptcy after a series of bad investments. Meanwhile, Joey (Pat Shortt), a taxidermist, is struggling to keep his business afloat after losing his wife and son in a tragic accident.

Feeling lost and hopeless, Martin and Joey decide to join forces and rob the local bank in a desperate attempt to turn their fortunes around. However, things don't go according to plan, and they end up with a bag of cash and no way to escape the law. The unlikely duo finds themselves on the run, taking refuge in a railway station locker room.

As they wait for their next move, Martin and Joey bond over their shared sense of disillusionment and become unlikely friends. They also meet a teenage boy named Ronan (Art Parkinson), who is running away from his troubled family life. Together, the three of them embark on a wild adventure, trying to evade the police and make a better life for themselves.

At its core, The Belly Of The Whale is a film about second chances and the power of redemption. The movie explores themes of friendship, family, and the search for meaning in a world that seems to have lost its way. Through the eyes of its flawed yet endearing characters, the film offers a satirical and poignant commentary on the state of modern-day Ireland, where greed and corruption have become the norm.

Director Morgan Bushe delivers an impressive feature debut, showcasing a sharp eye for humanizing humor and a gift for character-driven storytelling. The movie boasts some truly impressive visuals, capturing the atmospheric beauty of rural Ireland, with its rolling hills, murky bogs, and misty shores.

Michael Smiley and Pat Shortt are perfectly cast as Martin and Joey, delivering nuanced performances that tap into the heart of their characters' existential crises. Art Parkinson, too, is a revelation as Ronan, bringing depth and vulnerability to a role that could have been one-dimensional. The supporting cast, including Lewis McDougall as the local cop, is equally impressive, adding both humor and pathos to the film.

In conclusion, The Belly Of The Whale is a must-watch for anyone who loves dark comedy, gritty crime capers, and character-driven stories. With its unique blend of humor, heart, and social commentary, the movie offers a fresh and exciting take on the Irish cinematic tradition.

The Belly Of The Whale is a 2018 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.