Ondine Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Drunk fisherman reels in a Polish woman who may or may not be a mermaid, but definitely has some explaining to do about those suspiciously heavy waterproof bags.

🍿 Ondine: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Fisherman’s Discovery

Syracuse, a struggling Irish fisherman and recovering alcoholic, finds a mysterious woman in his fishing net. He nicknames her Ondine, a name meaning ‘from the sea.’ His young daughter, Annie, who suffers from kidney failure, becomes fascinated by Ondine, and quickly believes she is a selkie – a mythological creature from Celtic folklore who can transform from a seal to a human.

Belief and Reality

As Syracuse and Ondine grow closer, his luck seems to change. His fishing yields increase dramatically, leading Annie to further believe in Ondine’s magical origins. Syracuse, however, struggles between his growing feelings for Ondine and his skepticism of her supposed magical powers, questioning if she is a blessing or a curse.

Secrets Revealed

The film balances the fantastical elements with gritty realism. As Syracuse and Annie embrace the possibility of Ondine being a selkie, the narrative hints at a darker, more grounded explanation for her appearance, creating tension and challenging the audience’s perception of reality versus myth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Syracuse (Colin Farrell): A recovering alcoholic fisherman whose life is changed when he finds a mysterious woman in his net.
• Ondine (Alicja Bachleda): A mysterious woman found in Syracuse’s fishing net, who may or may not be a mythical creature.
• Annie (Alison Barry): Syracuse’s precocious and ill daughter who believes Ondine is a selkie.
• Maura (Dervla Kirwan): Syracuse’s alcoholic ex-wife and Annie’s mother.
• Alex (Tony Curran): Maura’s boyfriend whose death leads to kidney donation for Annie.
• Vladic (Emil Hostina): A dangerous figure from Ondine’s past who seeks to bring her back into a criminal life.
• Priest (Stephen Rea): A priest serving as Syracuse’s confidant and providing guidance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Annie: “She’s a selkie, Da. She has to be.” – Annie’s innocent belief that Ondine is a magical creature drives the initial wonder of the story.
• Syracuse: “I’m afraid to hope again.” – Syracuse expresses his fear of being hurt after finding happiness with Ondine, given his past experiences.
• Priest: “Misery is easy, Syracuse. Happiness you have to work at.” – The priest gives Syracuse advice about embracing happiness and working to maintain it instead of giving in to despair.
• Ondine: “You wished for me. I heard you.” – Ondine reinforces the sense of magic and destiny in her relationship with Syracuse.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $550,472
• Worldwide Gross: $1,790,061

💥 Ondine Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into Ondine’s world. The Irish coastal setting is stunning, and the story is both whimsical and heartbreaking. I loved the ambiguity of whether Ondine was truly a selkie or not, and the way it mirrored Syracuse’s own struggle to believe in something good again. The scenes between Syracuse and his daughter, Annie, were especially touching. Definitely a film that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Colin Farrell”
  • “Those interested in Irish folklore”
  • “Viewers who enjoy magical realism”
  • “Audiences seeking thoughtful dramas with elements of romance”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief sensual content”
  • “Alcohol abuse themes”
  • “Some violence”
  • “Drug-related content”

Professional Reviews

• The Irish Times: “Jordan crafts a modern fairytale steeped in Irish folklore, buoyed by Farrell’s understated performance and Bachleda’s ethereal presence. While the narrative takes unexpected turns, the film’s heart remains firmly rooted in its characters’ yearning for hope and redemption.
• Variety: “Neil Jordan’s Ondine is a beautifully shot, melancholic romance that blends Celtic mythology with a grounded, working-class reality. Though the plot meanders, the performances, particularly Alison Barry as the insightful Annie, shine, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of indie dramas.
• The Guardian: “A charming if slightly uneven fairytale about love, belief, and the possibility of magic in everyday life. Colin Farrell gives a winning performance as Syracuse, a recovering alcoholic who finds hope in the most unexpected of places.

Audience Reactions

The performances were captivating, especially Colin Farrell’s portrayal of a flawed but lovable fisherman.: Viewers praised the film’s unique blend of fairytale and realism, creating a captivating and thought-provoking experience.

The film’s haunting atmosphere and beautiful scenery transported me to the Irish coast.: Many viewers were moved by the film’s emotional depth and its exploration of themes like hope, love, and redemption.

Overall Consensus: Ondine is a well-received modern fairytale that blends Irish folklore with grounded realism, offering a touching story of hope and redemption, despite some uneven pacing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Colin Farrell and Alicja Bachleda met and began a relationship during filming, which added to the on-screen chemistry. They had a son together before eventually separating.”
• “The film was shot on location in County Cork, Ireland, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Irish coastline.”
• “Director Neil Jordan drew inspiration from Irish folklore and mythology, particularly the legend of the selkies, to create the film’s unique atmosphere.”
• “The musical score by Kjartan Sveinsson, known for his work with the band Sigur Rós, contributes to the film’s haunting and ethereal quality.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ondine?

Ondine is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services that offer movie rentals and purchases. Some cable providers may also offer it on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ondine, you might like these similar films:

• The Secret of Roan Inish (1994): Both films are set in Ireland and deal with Celtic mythology, specifically the legend of the selkie, and feature a child’s belief in magic.
• Big Fish (2003): Features a blend of realism and fantasy, exploring the power of storytelling and belief, similar to how Ondine blurs the lines between reality and myth.
• Local Hero (1983): Set in a small coastal Scottish town, this quirky film focuses on the charm of the landscape and the close-knit community, creating a similar atmosphere to Ondine.
• Shape of Water (2017): Involves a fantastical love story between a human and a mysterious aquatic creature, echoing the central relationship in Ondine.
• The Fall (2006): A visually stunning fantasy adventure driven by a child’s imagination and a storyteller’s weaving of myth, akin to Annie’s perception of Ondine and Syracuse’s situation.

🛒 Ondine Related Products

• The Secret of Roan Inish (Blu-ray): A heartwarming Irish film with similar themes of folklore, family, and the magic of the sea, offering a captivating viewing experience.
• Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes: Explore the rich world of Celtic myths and legends, delving into the stories of selkies and other magical beings.
• Irish Fisherman Aran Sweater: Authentic Aran sweater crafted in Ireland, featuring traditional cable knit patterns representing the fisherman’s life and heritage.
• Limited Edition Ondine Movie Poster (Framed): A high-quality reproduction of the Ondine movie poster, professionally framed and ready to display.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ondine features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “One Quiet Night” – performed by Pat Metheny

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

ALICJA BACHLEDA interview for her new film ONDINE and her relationship with COLIN FARRELL

Ever wonder what it’s like to fall in love on set? Alicja Bachleda spills the beans about filming Ondine and her romance with Colin Farrell. Honestly, their story is kinda cute, you should check it out!

✨ Rate