What happens when an opportunistic criminal is taken in by a sweet old lady? This is the premise explored in Sweet Delusion, a short film deftly directed by David Prendeville.
A psychological drama funded by both Kerry County Council and the Arts Council, the plot follows ruthless criminal Alison (Elva Trill), who is on the run after committing a serious crime. Alison is pleasantly surprised when she comes across Janet (Pauline McLynn), a lone woman who is unusually eager to offer her shelter.
Before the very first shot, IFTA-winner Die Hexen’s sinister score brings a sense of foreboding. As the story unfolds, cinematographer Colm Hogan effectively captures the bleakness of the film’s rural setting. Lingering shots of the isolated landscape, often covered in shadow, evoke a sense of unease. Alison is clearly in a precarious situation and willing to do anything to get out of it alive, which effectively hooks the viewer.
Tension builds through the peculiar, and sometimes downright despicable, behaviour of the central characters, bringing with it a sense of intrigue. Pauline McLynn gives a skilful performance as Janet, who believes an aloof stranger is her long-lost daughter. Despite her steadfast desire to ignore the reality of her situation, McLynn succeeds in making Janet a character the audience can empathise with. In one scene, Janet is asked if she could serve any drink other than tea, a deliberate Mrs Doyle reference perhaps?
Supporting her, Elva Trill also gives an immensely enjoyable performance as Alison - convincingly wicked but also eliciting sympathy in more vulnerable moments. Her reactions to Janet create brief moments of levity, elevated by Trill's flair for both the comic and the dramatic.
Overall, this is a polished film, fuelled by a fresh and engaging story. An unexpected turn carries unexpected emotional weight, and the final line lingers long after the credits roll - a quiet reflection on the merit of embracing a sweet delusion.
Sweet Delusion had its World Premiere at Aesthetica Short Film Festival in the UK last November and will have its Irish premiere at Fastnet Film Festival (20-24 May 2026).
