Drawing from his own life experiences growing up during “The Troubles”, screenwriter (and director) Kenneth Branagh has put together a superb film that easily stands among the best and most affecting this year. Elegantly shot in black and white by Branagh’s longtime collaborator Haris Zambarloukos, it’s a deeply moving and wholly satisfying film about family and religion and politics and young love. The exquisite Catriona Balfe leads the way with a performance that instantly cements her legacy.

5/5 stars