Fréwaka (Review)

Writer/ Director: Aislinn Clarke
Cast: Clare Moonelly, Bríd Ní Neachtain, Aleksandra Bystrzhitskaya, Clare Barrett
Year: 2024
Min: 103

Shortly after the suicide of her estranged mother, Shoo (Clare Monnelly), a young in-home care worker, is assigned to care for an elderly shut-in named Peig (Brid Ni Neachtain). This old lady lives in a secluded town in the Irish countryside. She is also hard to care for, being untrusting of Shoo and generally paranoid. On top of her off fears, there is her weird beliefs. But, as they spend more time together, they grow closer. Eventually, Shoo, who is dealing with her own trauma, begins to think that maybe Peig's fears of those she wishes to keep from coming in the house, might, in fact, be very real.

Fréwaka is a supernatural/ folk horror film and the second feature from writer/ director Aislinn (The Devil's Doorway) Clarke. From the beginning prologue and the suicide that follows it, the movie sets up a very uneasy feeling. The fact that the flick is shot mostly in the Gaelic language adds to this foreboding feeling. 

While, the pacing is slow the apprehensiveness of it helps to carry the movie throughout its running time. This is compounded by a continuous undercurrent of malevolence. The excellent sound design further adds to this helping the flick to get even more under your skin. I also really like the movie's use of religious imagery which make them come off as especially spine-chilling. Another key factor is its very somber tone tone.  Combine this all with it's use of past trauma and abuse, and  the flick manages to stay with you. 

I do have to say that there is over reliance on typical tropes. For example, the phone reception sucks. You have other circumstances (covered up mirrors, creepy villagers, etc.) that you expect in a movie like this. This makes it sometimes feel as if it over relies on these motifs. However, for the most part these things don't really deter from film. They are incorporated into the plot, and their use, however typical they maybe, are well done. They help to add to the compelling and involving mystery. 

The acting is very strong, especially from the two leads. Clare Monnelly is very likable and believable as Shoo. Brid Ni Neachtain is also great Peig. Her character is complex and feels very real (within the context of this story, anyways). And, as we get to know her, she too is very likable. I also really appreciated the way their relationship develops as the story moves along. It is credible and becomes filled with heart and pathos as we get closer to the climax. The scene between them in Peig's bedroom is an especially good example of this. As, it is a touching and heartbreaking study in PTSD. 

 
Another factor helping the flick is that Clarke really does a good directing job. This is especially true of certain scenes that are really nicely shot. She also does a strong job with the movie's climax. As it is one that odd and yet intense and compelling. This, in turn, leads to the nightmarish and bone chilling ending. 

Fréwaka is a well done supernatural, folk-horror film. It may use a lot of overdone tropes, but the compellingly mysterious plot overturns this. The acting, especially from our two leads, is great. While, certainly a slow burn, it builds up nicely, ending on a chilling note. The movie, itself, remains unsettling and haunting from beginning to that just mentioned ending. It starts streaming on Shudder on April 25, 2025, as part of their "Halfway to Halloween" programming. Be sure to check it out then.