Four Letters of Love (12A)

Love certainly moves in mysterious ways in Four Letters Of Love, a handsome, heartfelt adaptation of Irish author Niall Williams’ bestselling novel.

Director Polly Steele’s film begins with Nicholas (Fionn O’Shea) reflecting back on how he found “the meaning of my life”. Flash-back to 1971, his staid civil servant father William (Pierce Brosnan), convinced by what he believes is a sign from God, becomes a painter. He abandons everything, including his then teenage son, and heads to the west coast of Ireland to pursue his new calling.

On an Irish island, Issy (Ann Skelly) is spending the “last day of her childhood” before sailing to a convent school on the mainland. Her mother Margaret (Helena Bonham Carter) and schoolmaster father Muirish (Gabriel Byrne) steel themselves for her sad departure. A tragic incident involving Issy’s brother Sean (Donal Finn) only adds to the foreboding.

Gorgeous, sun-dappled Irish locations provide the backdrop to a sweeping narrative propelled by destiny, cosmic intervention and the odd miracle. in which love conquers every obstacle placed in its path. Four Letters of Love is charming and delightful