‘Acheron’, written & directed by Tommy Creagh, is a brooding, poetic journey that dives into the mind of Christy, a man at a creative and existential crossroads. Played with understated brilliance by Cilléin McEvoy, Christy’s internal turmoil is mirrored by the black-and-white cinematography and boxed-in 4:3 aspect ratio, subtly hinting at his trapped state of mind. The visual style, captured by Conor Tobin, gives the film a timeless quality, blurring the line between a personal struggle and something mythological – something bigger than just a man and his problems.
Christy’s life, stalled by a creative block, is compounded by the relentless pressure from his well-meaning but overbearing father (Gerry Cannon). Their conversations by the water, as the silent witness to their conflict, reflect the film’s deeper psychological tone. The tension builds slowly, but it’s not suffocating – it’s reflective, much like Christy’s fascination with mythology, which frames the narrative at both the beginning and end. These mythical tales feel less like a storytelling device and more like the inner workings of Christy’s soul trying to make sense of his reality.
Creagh’s strength lies in his ability to let the audience feel like they’re intruding on something intimate – a father and son grappling with their expectations of one another. ‘Acheron’ is a meditation on how creativity and personal struggles are intertwined. The film’s steady pace draws you in, not with grand gestures, but with quiet power, as if whispering a myth you’ve always known but are only just remembering. Highly recommended.
