Watch Wild Decembers

Wild Decembers is a captivating independent drama film from 2009 directed by Anthony Byrne. Set in the beautifully rugged countryside of Western Ireland, the film tells a story of love, betrayal, and family secrets, against the backdrop of a breathtakingly beautiful and seemingly endless landscape. The movie begins with the arrival of a wealthy businessman, Arnie (Matt Ryan), to the small village where his family owns vast amounts of land, and where he plans to build a golf course and luxury resort. However, it soon becomes clear that this plan is met with hostility by some of the locals, especially by a local farmer named Gabriel (Owen McDonnell), who is skeptical of the potential environmental harm that the development may bring.

As the tensions between Arnie and the locals grow, Gabriel's sister, Josie (Lara Belmont), finds herself torn between loyalty to her family and her strong feelings for Arnie, whom she begins to see in a different light. As the story unfolds, we come to learn about the complicated past between Arnie and Gabriel's mother, which adds another layer of intrigue to an already tense situation.

The movie is not just a simple love triangle story or a commentary on the environmental impact of development, but also explores deeper themes such as forgiveness, trust, and the weight of family history. Each character is forced to confront their own past and their place in the community as events escalate and the stakes become higher.

The direction and cinematography of Wild Decembers are both remarkable, providing a stunning visual backdrop that is both epic and intimate. The natural beauty of Ireland's countryside is on full display, with sweeping shots of mountains and valleys contrasted with intimate close-ups of characters' faces.

The performances in the film are also top-notch, with each actor fully embodying their character and bringing a depth of emotion to their roles. Matt Ryan portrays Arnie with a quiet intensity that perfectly captures the character's motivations and inner conflicts, while Owen McDonnell's portrayal of Gabriel is understated yet powerful, conveying his character's deep sense of conviction and passion.

Lara Belmont's performance as Josie is particularly notable, as she brings a subtle complexity to her character, torn between love and loyalty as she is forced to confront her own family's secrets and choose which side she will ultimately stand on.

Overall, Wild Decembers is a beautifully crafted and deeply engrossing drama that is sure to captivate audiences with its breathtaking visuals, powerful performances, and complex storytelling. It is a true gem of independent cinema that deserves to be seen by a wider audience.