Trouble

Directed by Jonathan Shaw (Ireland) 00:17:10 Short Film

A tense civil war drama capturing the fear and resolve of the Irish people for independence. 

In this gripping true story, we witness the lives of three orphaned siblings - two sisters and a brother - on the verge of a tragic event. Set amidst the backdrop of civil war, the eldest sister, Rose, struggles to keep her family intact as they await the opportunity to bury their deceased father while the town remains under lockdown. Meanwhile, the youngest sibling, Owen, haunted by guilt and brokenness after returning from a British prison camp, carries a secret that weighs heavily on his conscience. Alice, the middle child, yearns for her brother's former self, hoping he will confide in her once again. As tensions rise, a shocking revelation unfolds: during his time in the prison camp, Owen courageously assumed another man's identity to protect an IRA member, enduring unimaginable torture without revealing his true identity. His return home finds him caught in a brewing civil war and partition, he is torn between the cause he was willing to die for and the love he has for his family. The story reaches a poignant irony as Alice, unexpectedly, becomes the one to face tragedy, contrasting Owen's preparedness to sacrifice himself. This short film encapsulates the profound themes explored during the research over the past six years. Amidst the chaos and external pressures, the film underscores the power of human connection and the profound impact it can have on individuals, particularly within the context of a family.