Watch What Richard Did

What Richard Did is a compelling and emotionally resonant drama from Irish filmmaker Lenny Abrahamson, based on the novel Bad Day in Blackrock by Kevin Power. The film follows the titular Richard (Jack Reynor), a handsome, athletic, and charming teenager from a privileged background who seems to have it all. He attends a posh private school in Dublin, where he is the captain of the rugby team and the life of the party. He has a loving girlfriend, Lara (Róisín Murphy), and a close-knit group of friends who share his affluent lifestyle and carefree attitude.

At the start of the film, Richard is shown to be the epitome of confidence, charisma, and accomplishment. He has it all - good looks, talent, popularity, and a bright future ahead of him. However, his world is turned upside down when his actions lead to a tragic event that changes the course of his life forever. Without giving away any spoilers, it suffices to say that the film explores the repercussions of Richard's actions and the moral and ethical dilemmas he faces in the aftermath.

What makes this film so powerful and affecting is the way it explores the complex psychology of its protagonist, and the insight it offers into the teenage mentality. Richard is not a simple villain or a hero, but a flawed and multi-dimensional human being who grapples with guilt, shame, and remorse. The film delves deep into his psyche, exploring his motivations, fears, and desires, and showing how a single mistake can have devastating consequences.

The performances in the film are outstanding across the board, with Jack Reynor giving a breakout performance as Richard. Reynor brings a naturalism and vulnerability to the character that makes him both sympathetic and frustrating. He portrays Richard as a complex and conflicted individual, plagued by doubt and regret, yet unable to fully own up to his mistakes. Fionn Walton, who plays Richard's best friend Conor, is equally impressive, bringing a sense of warmth and vulnerability to a character who serves as Richard's conscience and voice of reason.

The film also benefits from the excellent cinematography by David Grennan, who captures the lush and idyllic landscapes of Dublin with an eye for detail and beauty. The music by Stephen Rennicks is also noteworthy, adding to the film's somber and melancholy tone.

What Richard Did is a complex and thought-provoking film that tackles big themes such as class, privilege, morality, and accountability. It doesn't offer any easy answers or simplistic messages, but instead invites the viewer to engage with the story and the characters on a deeper level. It's a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, and one that will prompt discussions and debates among audiences.

In conclusion, What Richard Did is a powerful and poignant coming-of-age drama that showcases the talents of its cast and filmmaker. It's a film that touches on universal themes and emotions, while also being deeply rooted in the specific context of modern-day Ireland. It's a film that deserves to be seen and discussed, and one that will resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds.

What Richard Did is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 80.