Opened: April 27, 2018

Directed by: Mark O’Rowe

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Catherine Walker, Eva Birthistle, Andrew Scott, Lydia McGuinness & Laoise Murray

In a heartbreaking drama of love and betrayal, The Delinquent Season may not go as deep as it should, but it’s a strong warning about acting on impulses.

Family friends Jim (Cillian Murphy) and Yvonne (Catherine Walker) begin having an affair when both of their marriages become rocky. Yvonne’s husband Chris (Andrew Scott) reveals he has cancer, and Jim’s wife Danielle (Eva Birthistle) becomes suspicious when their kids catch Jim in a lie.

Though the film is expertly acted, the focus on Jim and Yvonne becomes too intense when the reactions you want to see are from Chris and Danielle. With Chris’ situation being dire and Scott having the least screentime, it almost begs for additional scenes between him and Yvonne.

The ending is satisfying yet disappointing, so you’ll be left conflicted.

Final say: Good premise, but needs more drive. ★★★☆☆