Queens’ Film Student’s Final Bow

Queen’s University Belfast Film Students 3rd Year Final Showcase Review
by Orla Lloyd.

As an incoming 3rd-year student, it was a pleasure to watch the culmination of
three years of film studies coming together in the final films of this year’s cohort.
With a blend of genres from drama to comedy, it is no surprise that film professor
Dr. Mervyn Marshall is so proud of this year’s students. He tells me that the
graduating class of ‘25 may be showing their last films as students today, but that
it is ‘not an ending, but a beginning’, as he so eloquently puts it.

Two of a Kind dir. Conor Brannigan
Starting the night off was ‘Two of a Kind,’ an eccentric romantic comedy that
represents neurodiverse voices on screen. It is a heartwarming romance, and the
characters are well-fleshed out, with brilliant acting to support them. This and
‘Beyond Words’ give on-screen representation in an authentic way to
underrepresented groups, clearly done with care and tact.

Beyond Words dir. Oisín-Tomás Ó Raghallaigh
‘Beyond Words’ was an undeniable standout of the night, a documentary
following the stories of two artists and their experiences with disability in life and
art. Artists Suzii MacKenzie and Joe Kenny showcase the power of art and music
to transform and heal while highlighting how their disabilities shape their
experiences from their own perspective. Disability is often shown negatively or
sympathetically in media and by showcasing these artists’ experiences in their
own voice, this film showcases the disabled experience authentically and
masterfully. The cinematography is intentional and artistic with brilliant lighting.
There is a clear heart and intention behind this documentary, and I think it might
be my favourite from the night.

Magpie dir. Megan McDonagh & Erin Curran
‘Magpie’ explores the relationship between two siblings after the death of their
father, a meditation on grief and hope as the protagonist searches for signs of her
father whilst walking to a father-daughter dance after their car has broken down.
The film is well-paced with beautiful locations and strong characters. The
compilation of their memories with their father was a standout moment from the
film, using phone footage that adds to its authenticity.

Uisce Beatha dir. Conleth Mallon
‘Uisce Beatha’ is beautifully lit and shot. Confined to a cabin, a man with a
dubious past wrestles with his guilt when a priest comes knocking on his door.
The exploration of Irish myths is well done with a fun twist that allows for
multiple interpretations. Suspense is built ever so slowly, leaving the audience on
the edges of their seats. Inspirations such as Dante’s Inferno bleed through, with
the best acting and lighting of the night belonging to this film, in my opinion. I
highly recommend this for a watch as it had my undivided attention from
beginning to end.

Pillow Talk
‘Pillow Talk’ explores hookup culture and the search for connection in the
modern age. There’s a good mesh of comedy and drama, pointing fun at a series
of emotionally detached men whilst underlining the deeper-seated problem of the
lack of intimacy of an inherently intimate act and the effect that can
have—interesting premise for a socially relevant topic.

RIP Maeve
‘RIP Maeve’ is a vampire-Irish dancing combination that seemingly takes
inspiration from the likes of Whiplash and Black Swan in both narrative and
character development. The opening is attention-grabbing, blending
experimental elements and strong images. I do wish that this had been carried
through more of the film because i think this is where its strength lies and
individuality lies. The big empty stone castle is easily one of the best locations
across any of the films.

Dead Air
‘Dead Air’ explores the dangers of toxic masculinity as an off-the-cuff radio
presenter’s relationship advice ends with devastating consequences. A dangerous
tension builds as the talk show host and listener on call converse, and as a result,
the film conveys exactly what it aims to in highlighting how promoting toxic
ideals and dehumanising women has horrible ramifications for everyone
involved. There is a keen awareness of the dangers that podcasts like Andrew
Tate pose to women and society from these filmmakers, though I do think it could
have benefited from a female perspective because there are deeper nuances there
to be explored. Still a very good film and worthwhile watch.

Bobby Disco
Bobby Disco walks the line between the real and the unreal, making you ask how
much of Bobby Disco is a character. This was down to an undeniable strength in
the writing, acting and directing. I genuinely can’t find fault in the production of
this one, all the technical elements are spot on, with brilliant cinematography
from Sean O’Brien to support. The jokes land exactly as they are meant to, and if
you’re searching for a short comedy done right, look no further than Bobby Disco.
An incredibly likeable character that should be unbelievable, but incredible acting
from David Mulhern ensures that it comes across genuinely, which makes it all
the more funny. I loved the direction and editing of this one in particular, and I’m
excited to see what these boys do next.

With Bobby Disco, the showcase ends on a high note, proud parents, friends and
teachers leaving screen one to convene in the foyer. Congratulations to this years
graduating class of 2025, I’m excited to see the work produced by these
filmmakers in the future!