Dating Amber
altitude/amazonDavid Freyne's sophomore effort, Dating Amber, is a heartwarming and beautifully performed poignant drama with a wonderfully crafted comedic balance that explores sexuality and self-acceptance in Ireland during the mid-1990s.
The balance of tone between heartwarming comedic nature and profound drama is executed here in utter perfection by writer-director David Freyne. For the most part, Dating Amber sets itself mostly as a comedy, one that is full of charm and charisma with a strong screenplay from Freyne. This comedic nature is wonderfully portrayed by the two main leads, Fionn O'Shea's Eddie and Lola Petticrew's Amber. The two have perfect timing and emotional range of when and where to embellish said comedic bravado with engaging effect.
The central comedic storyline that follows O'Shea's Eddie and Petticrew's Amber is one full of poignancy and sometimes difficult discussion of acceptance. However, while the film might cater more towards a comedic sensibility, it does not shy away from discussing and exploring darker and more compelling material. It is these very themes and arcs that are the most important and beautifully explored moments that cement Dating Amber as nothing short of brilliant.
Freyne's film never shies away from showcasing trauma. Implemented, more or less, through peer pressure and ignorance from the characters fellow students in a brewing environment such as a secondary school offers many a dark return to moments they would prefer to forget. Freyne captures this feeling terrifically well through the utter absurdity and naivety that surrounds bullying and acceptance of the "other".
That being said, it is the more profound and darker theme of internal trauma caused by the aforementioned ignorance that stands Dating Amber from the crowd, specifically in the performance of Fionn O'Shea's Eddie. While Petticrew's Amber and O'Shea's Eddie go through the same problem of acceptance above all else, O'Shea's arc is contextually filled with less promise if he becomes true to himself. With that, against Amber's arc, offers a distinctive layer that makes each story unique and personal to the viewer.
O'Shea showcases range here that is nothing short of sublime. The internal trauma and how it is examined and put forward is a stunning delivery of anxiety and the constant inflicting of psychological wounds. O'Shea's performance also highlights the damages of social expectation and toxic masculinity in an often daunting yet much-needed display of these wounds.
Wonderfully balanced with terrific comedy and heartfelt drama, David Freyne's feature Dating Amber is a profound look at the trials and tribulations of teenage life. Expertly crafted with two striking performances from Fionn O'Shea and Lola Petticrew that showcase tremendous skill and a fabulously produced screenplay elevate this tale to a must-see coming of age drama.
