This short and vivid drama tells the story of a seemingly typical bus trip around Ireland in the mid-90s from a fly-on-the-wall perspective narrated by the grown-up version (Derek Murphy) of teenage boy Killian (David Tobin), the youngest member of the excursion. The main organizer of the trip is Davey Burke (Michael Linehan), a chronically ill man with various business plans of a shady nature. Despite this, he seems to be friends (or at least friendly) with everyone at the housing project where he lives. A handful of others accept his initial invitation including Killian’s mother to the young man’s dismay.
Another of that handful and an unexpected member of the day tour is Tommy Killeen (Brian Collins). Killian doesn’t know what to make of Killeen besides what some adults whisper about him and that his mother has forbidden him to even acknowledge the man. After several hours of driving, Tommy Killeen suffers some sort of medical episode and dies during a rest stop. No one notices until the bus is back in motion, spurring a bizarre and horrific search for civilization along Ireland’s rural coast roads.
The strongest aspects of this drama are its outstanding actors, rapid-fire characterization, and well-written, natural dialogue. Within moments my disbelief was suspended by the outstanding performances: It was like I was in the tour bus riding along with them. Two-thirds of the way through the film, however, a bout of terrible sound design, choppy shots, and total cessation of the narration completely killed the mood, the story, and my enjoyment.
I’m sure the filmmakers meant for this to be a transition from coming-of-age boredom to a murder mystery, but the music they chose sounded like a Halloween sounds CD more than ‘there’s a killer among us.’ The frame narration also confuses me, as many of the things the elder Killian tells us are told to us through other characters, making the narration redundant throughout most of the film. Despite these issues, Coast Road was engaging, interesting, and quite the thinker mystery-wise. Lovers of drama and Irish culture will find great enjoyment in this film. Coast Road is an excellent film and is highly recommended.
What type of film series would this title belong in?
Any series or festival about Irish film or art would benefit from the addition of Coast Road.
What type of university professor would be interested in this film?
Film professors should consider this hour-long film to show students what can be done with minimal casting and sets.