Good Favour: fascinating but flawed

The Irish arthouse film Good Favour delivers a discourse on faith, sectarianism and sexual awakening in a stunning, pastoral cinematography.

On his last legs, a badly wounded young man stumbles into the village of a Christian community that forbids its children from leaving the village and denies the elderly and infirm any care from outside. They reluctantly patch him up, and he integrates into their life of simplicity, devotion, and isolation. The young members of the community especially become fascinated by his messianic personality.

The question of who is fooling whom is left unanswered. In fact, a frustrating number of questions are left unanswered. One might defend the refusal to judge or to simplify matter, but the refusal to present any drama is a serious flaw for this arthouse film that was shelved for two years.

Fortunately, film is more than a story or a discourse on faith, sectarianism, gullibility, and sexual awakening. Cinematographically stunning, pastoral scenes transport you far away from the realities of urban life. In terms of beautiful shots and atmosphere, Good Favour can stand up against The Other Side of Sleep, the well-received film debut by Irish director Rebecca Daly.