The Quiet Girl

My Anam Cara and I are preparing for a visit to the Emerald Isle in late October and as part of the process I was looking for films that might help her prepare for Irish culture and language. I stumbled upon this…

A Quiet Girl is a poignant Irish coming-of-age drama directed by Colm Bairéad. Set in 1981, the film follows the story of a shy and introverted nine-year-old girl named Cáit, who is sent to live with distant relatives in rural Ireland for the summer due to her family’s struggles. As she adjusts to her new environment, Cáit experiences a sense of belonging and warmth that she has never felt before. The film beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and the simplicity of rural life, capturing the depths of human connection through Cáit’s quiet journey of self-discovery and emotional awakening. Through stunning cinematography and heartfelt performances, “A Quiet Girl” highlights the innocence of childhood amidst challenging circumstances and is an interesting contribution to the discussion of “nature vs. nurture”.

…she’ll never watch it but I was gobsmacked by the film, its message and its ending. If you’re curious, you need to know about Kanopy!

Public Service Announcement: What is Kanopy?

Kanopy is a streaming service that provides access to a wide range of films and documentaries, focusing on educational content and classic cinema. It partners with libraries and educational institutions to offer its users an extensive collection of critically acclaimed films, independent productions, and foreign language films. Users can watch films for free through their participating library or institution, often with a set number of viewings per month.

Key features of Kanopy include:

• Diverse Library: Offers a variety of genres including classic films, documentaries, and children’s programming.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed for ease of use, allowing viewers to browse and search for titles easily.
• No Ads: Kanopy provides an ad-free viewing experience.
• Educational Content: Many of the films are selected for their educational value, making it a valuable resource for students and educators.
• Accessibility: Available on various devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones.

To use Kanopy, users typically need a library card or student ID from a participating institution, which grants them access to the service’s offerings at no cost.