Dear Imelda: A Dramedy That Will Tug At Your Heart

Perhaps one of the finest shorts to come out this year, Director/editor Arón Holden’s Dear Imelda set in a bucolic countryside of Ireland, explores the relationship between the eponymous Imelda (Rosemary Henderson) and her unwelcome grandson Ciaran (Declan Curran). That he is unwelcome becomes evident right from the opening scene, but the hilarity of the two keeps snowballing until a secret deeply nurtured gets exposed. Holden lets the story take a wonderful turn to shed light on age, distance, relationships and the effect time and technology has on them, and in doing so, he deftly manoeuvres the narration into one that leaves behind a sweet, emotional and thought-provoking outcome.

At 17:38-minutes, Dear Imelda not only manages to create an engaging timeline, but also leave enough space for impactful moments that are long enough to be effective, and short to not become overly dragging. Declan Curran, who also happens to play the grandson Ciaran has an unmistakable boyish charm that he uses effectively to bring a cheeky, but adorable temperament for his character. Right from stepping into Granny Imelda’s doorstep, Henderson makes it clear that this is her turf and an unwelcome guest shall remain subject to her suspicion. Words fall short when it comes to praising Henderson, the performance is simply that addictive. Her movements, antics, body language are spot on to what you’d expect the elderly generation to be. While wary and fiercely protective of her space and independence, one can’t help but fall in love with her, when she peeks into her grandson’s activities. Watch out for the scene where she rummages through a parcel delivered, despite knowing its contents aren’t meant for her!

Tara Howley, whose music plays a crucial role in Dear Imelda manages to transport one in time. And, it’s used with effect, to evoke a sense of belonging to something tender and dearly cherished. It’s worth noting how Holden uses the music to bring the characters’ together in an unexpecting, but deeply personal way. As Ciaran and his granny begin working out on each other’s quirks, the small tasks undertaken, be it the grocery shopping or installing of the internet, they all become points of both contention, hilarious drama and an eventual surrender. The generation gap is well explored in these moments, using very little dialogues, which adds shimmer to the script.

Raditya Santosa, whose cinematography captures the beauty of Ireland like no other, offers plenty of shots that manage to cover the vastness, the emptiness and the space inbetween the house, its surroundings and its occupants in a manner that can only evoke bliss. It’s a feat in itself, because not only does it bring to life Imelda’s life, but also its loneliness and the grim heartache she nurtured until unwittingly Ciaran ends up finding it out. There is a wholesomeness to this story, not simply because of its climax, but the approach that Holden takes. It is deliberate, measured and yet generous in its emotions and the lead actors do a wonderful job at bringing to life their characters. Such wonderful is their chemistry and the natural disposition of their performance, that one ends up hoping for a series, or at least a sequel. A much deserved, a much awaited reply to Dear Imelda…

Watch Dear Imelda Short Film Trailer