Take Care Now

A trip takes an unexpected, sinister turn – hilarious, tense, and utterly compelling.
5/5

Review

Richard Childs’ ‘Take Care Now’ is skilled in tonal balance, weaving dark comedy with a creeping unease, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of rural Ireland. With stunning widescreen cinematography by Blaine Rennicks, the film makes full use of the isolated coastal landscapes, reinforcing its blend of melancholy, tension, and humor.

The setup is simple: Ted (Manus Halligan), an anxious and freshly heartbroken man, arrives at a caravan seeking solitude – only to find Anne (Pauline McGlinchey) already there. A booking mix-up forces them into reluctant cohabitation, and their immediate contrast is both comedic and compelling. Ted is talkative, jittery, and emotionally raw; Anne is reserved, blunt, and carries an air of quiet menace. Their back-and-forth is laced with humor, but there’s an undeniable undercurrent of something off.

As the narrative unfolds, the film takes a daring left turn. During a jog, Ted stumbles upon Anne, a gun, and a lifeless body. The shift from awkward comedy to outright drama s jarring – but in the best possible way. Childs never abandons the film’s comedic edge, even as Anne’s true nature is revealed and Ted becomes an unwilling participant in her scheme. The film toys with audience expectations, keeping us as trapped as Ted – laughing one moment, tense the next.

Both performances are pitch-perfect. McGlinchey delivers a subtle but chilling presence, making Anne increasingly unnerving to watch, while Halligan’s frantic energy provides the perfect foil. Their chemistry crackles, making the bizarre situation feel oddly believable.

Despite its sinister turns, ‘Take Care Now’ never loses sight of its humor, culminating in a surprisingly heartwarming ending that doesn’t betray its dark comedic streak. Unpredictable, stylish, and effortlessly engaging, this is Irish filmmaking at its finest.

Take Care Now Short Comedy Film

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Runtime: 17 min

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Short of the Year 2024