For its first movie of 2016, the Vernon Film Society has chosen Brooklyn, based on Colm Toibin’s acclaimed novel.
Directed by John Crowley, the story begins with the decision made by young Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan, The Grand Budapest Hotel) to leave Ireland, her mother, and beloved older sister to travel alone across the Atlantic to a new life in Brooklyn, New York.
Alone in a strange land, Eilis begins to make a place for herself with the help of a kind Irish priest (Jim Broadbent, The Iron Lady) and her stern, but caring landlady (Julie Walters, Mamma Mia).
Eilis even catches the eye of an Italian boy named Tony (Emory Cohen, The Place Beyond the Pines).
When a family tragedy compels her to return to Ireland, Eilis discovers that the hardships that previously seemed insurmountable inhibit her no longer.
Ronan gives an outstanding performance as her Eilis transforms from a lonely young wallflower to an experienced, confident adult and the audience won’t soon forget Cohen as the tough but tender Tony.
Expertly directed, Brooklyn is a beautifully crafted story about family, memory, and making a new home.
“A heartbreaking and poignant story about choices, country, commitments, sacrifice, and love, Brooklyn is a superb, luminous and bittersweet portrayal of who we are, where we come from, where we’re going, and the places we call home,” said Rodrigo Perez with The Playlist.
Brooklyn screens Monday, Jan. 4 at the Vernon Towne Cinema at the regular times of 5:15 and 7:45 p.m. Tickets are available one week ahead at the Towne and the Bean Scene for $7 (cash only).
