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A Want in Her

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A Want in Her

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Summary

Documentary. Irish artist and film-maker Myrid Carten has always had a complicated relationship with her mother, Nuala, not least because the latter has struggled with alcoholism and bipolar disorder. But when Nuala is reported missing from her house in Donegal, Myrid leaves her London domicile and travels to the family home where feuds and secrets are always simmering.

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IMDB

Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Tom Dawson

This exceptional documentary explores the complex relationship between Irish visual artist Myrid Carten and her mother Nuala, who struggles with alcoholism and bipolar disorder. Hearing that Nuala has been reported missing to the authorities, the London-based Myrid travels to the neglected family house in the Donegal region of Ireland. There, her uncle reveals the strain caused by Nuala's hospitalisations, drinking binges and spells of homelessness. Making her directorial debut, Carten eschews a traditional voiceover, instead crafting an inventive collage film comprised of various elements. There are excerpts from her own adolescent home movies, plus a film-within-a-film starring her mother, recordings from her own video installations, and compositions which accentuate the eeriness of the home which has been passed down between generations. The film doesn't offer simplistic solutions, but elegantly explores difficult questions about accountability and responsibility towards loved ones consumed by self-destructive behaviour.

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7.4/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameSelfMyrid CartenVoice ActorJonathan HardenVoice ActorEleanor MethvenMyrid Carten's motherNuala

Crew

rolenameDirectorMyrid CartenWriterDavid BarkerWriterMyrid CartenProducerRoisin GeraghtyProducerKat MansoorProducerTadhg O'SullivanComposerClarice JensenDirector of photographyMyrid CartenDirector of photographySean MullanDirector of photographyDonna WadeEditorKaren Harley

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Details

Theatrical distributor

Break Out Pictures

Released on

2025-10-10

Languages

English | Irish | Scottish Gaelic

Guidance

Swearing

Formats

Colour

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