There's a palpable sense of frustration and longing in director John Crowley's debut feature, emotions shared by all of his characters. It's when they try a short cut to happiness that they become unstuck.
Deirdre thinks a bank manager will give her the stability she needs; John hopes crime will gain him revenge and riches; and Noeleen (Deirdre O'Kane) tries to fill the void left by her husband by grabbing the nearest available young man.
Sounds depressing? Maybe - but this film's lively dialogue, bursts of brash Irish wit and hopeful conclusion help the medicine go down. Several cast members shine: Farrell is pitch-perfect as a rough petty criminal, looking more at home in a grubby '80s jumper than a Hollywood star has a right to, while Meaney puts in a credible performance and Henderson's typically vulnerable turn hits the spot. Macdonald is less inspiring, however, and, despite his talent, Murphy struggles to fully convince as a hopeless supermarket employee.