This charming Irish-language sporting drama coasts along with a big heart and affably low stakes. Set in the craggy beauty of the Kerry coastline in the hyper-specific environment of competitive naomhóg rowing, Tarrac is a story of reconciliation, catharsis, and female friendship. As a viewing experience it’s infinitely less demanding than the sport it depicts, but with its irresistible visual sense and just a hint of Celtic grit, the water is undeniably inviting.

Aoife (Kelly Gough) returns to her hometown of Baile na Trá to help her father Bear (Lorcan Cranitch) recuperate from a heart operation. Father and daughter have a long-lasting rift caused by the death of her mother when Aoife was sixteen. Bear grew distant, taking solace on the water, or by draining a glass. When Aoife falls back into her old sport of naomhóg racing it gives her an avenue to channel her unresolved grief, and a potential mode of reconciliation with Bear. There also just happens to be the local championships round the corner. Can Aoife and her ragtag team spring an unexpected victory?

The answer will surprise no-one. Unexpected is not a term that can be in any way applied to Tarrac. As a sporting underdog drama it hits every beat, and as a prodigal child narrative it leaves no cliche unspun. Gough’s big city protagonist is a driven career woman who’s smothered her feelings under the 60 hour working weeks. Bear has buried his grief under a gruff exterior, a character type that reliable veteran Cranitch has made his bread and butter having played very similar in the impressive Lakelands. Gradually, the pair make their way back towards each other, aided by Aoife’s broadly-sketched but endearing and supportive teammates.

Yet, it’s winningly executed and rather stirring when the ‘Sisters of the Sea’ get into their rhythm. Declan Recks‘ direction is simple and unfussy, playing to his trump cards: the drama of the sport, the majesty of the surroundings, Gough’s versatile and expressive face, and the easy chemistry and solidarity between the friends. Eugene O’Brien‘s script planes the story to its essentials; as smooth and honed as the wood and canvas vessels that make such spectacle. Although nothing is ever in doubt, it does get the blood flowing, and you almost feels your hands blistering in sympathy with the competitors’ herculean efforts. Perhaps the most picturesque of underdog sporting dramas in recent memory.

In selected cinemas from Fri 8 Dec 2023