Brian Ó Tiomáin returns the 70s for Irish-language drama Báite.
In a close-knit rural village in Galway, Báite opens with the discovery of a body in the receding waters of a man-made lake. Set mainly - though not exclusively - in September 1975 during the All-Ireland Final, the mystery at hand is whether this was an ancient burial unearthed by coastal erosion at the local cemetery, or something altogether more tragic.
For 23-year-old Peggy Casey (Eleanor O’Brien), this revelation threatens to upend not just her livelihood, but the entire community. As tourists and guests cancel their stays, the family pub Peggy manages starts to struggle. However one less welcome guest is Frank Ryan (Moe Dunford), the Detective Sergeant assigned to the case from Dublin.
Thanks to his patient prompting, details of a painful, troubled history gradually emerge, and the possibility of murder comes into focus. Events which happened a generation before and long-buried tensions within the town may hold the key to solving the case.
Funded by a scheme that has gone from strength to strength, Báite is the latest Cine4 feature from TG4. In recent years, this support mechanism has delivered a number of first-rate Irish-language films across different genres, including Tarrac, Arracht, Róise & Frank, and, most memorably, An Cailín Ciúin, which was an international critical and commercial success.
With a strong track record in directing documentary, this marks Ruan Magan’s Irish-language drama debut, and he delivers a gentle mix of subtle visual storytelling and rich production design. These aesthetic elements and the cinematic landscape of the west are captured well by DOP Ronan Fox, Fox does an impressive job utilising the lighting and photography to convey the mood and support the story.
The screenplay by Sheena Lambert is adapted from her novel The Lake. The film is not only filled with suspense, but is also an examination of family, looking at how siblings can have different interpretations of duty and how best to honour the generation which has passed on. While this is a constant theme throughout, generational tensions, and a focus on erosion and ecological issues also underpin the main narrative.
The ensemble cast, including those in supporting roles such as Oisín Mistéil and Pádraig Ó Loingsigh, deliver fine performances, bringing the diverse range of characters to life. Notably, Limerick theatre and screen actor Eleanor O’Brien stands out as Peggy, the young publican. She brings an impressive depth in conveying the emotions and strong sense of duty of the film's protagonist. O’Brien deservedly received an IFTA nomination for the role, as well as a nomination for the Bingham Ray New Talent Award.
After a successful festival run and screenings all over the world, Báite has garnered a number of awards, including Best Irish Language Feature Film at the 2025 Galway Film Fleadh, along with three other IFTA nominations. The film picked up the IFTA for Original Music by Galway composer Eímear Noone who worked with Craig Stuart Garfinkle, facing serious competition in that category.
With Seachtain na Gaeilge, the annual international festival promoting the Irish language and culture under way, Báite arrives in cinemas just in time for the celebrations.
Báite is in cinemas 6th March 2026.
