Skellig: The Owl Man (2009)

After moving with his family into a new home, a boy discovers a bird-like man living in the old garage on their property.

Director:

Annabel Jankel (as Aj Jankel)

Writers:

David Almond (book), Irena Brignull (screenplay)

Stars:

Tim Roth, Kelly Macdonald, Bill Milner

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tim Roth	...	Skellig
Kelly Macdonald	...	Louise
Bill Milner	...	Michael
John Simm	...	Dave
Skye Bennett	...	Mina
Jermaine Allen	...	Leakey
Eros Vlahos	...	Coot
Edna Doré	...	Grace (as Edna Dore)
Alexander Armstrong	...	Mr Hunt
Navin Chowdhry	...	Mr Watson
Nickie Rainsford	...	Mina's Mother
Tameka Empson	...	Nurse 1
Lisa Zahra	...	Nurse 2
Keiron Self	...	Suited Man
Queenie Wren Dempsey	...	Baby Grace

Storyline

After moving to a new home with his parents, Michael discovers a stranger living in the shed at the bottom of the garden. Michael learns more about the stranger as he tries to nurse him back to health, but at the same time tragedy threatens to strike his family as Michael's baby sister is diagnosed with a serious heart condition.

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Plot Keywords:

teenager | swimming pool | speedo | family relationships | teenage boy | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family | Fantasy | Mystery

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements, some peril and language

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 April 2009 (UK)

Also Known As:

Skellig: The Owl Man

Filming Locations:

Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Feel Films, Taking a Line for a Walk Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

(at around 12 mins) Louise drops on the floor flower in pot along with her mobile. A few seconds later the mobile is on top of box again.

User Reviews

A film of more depth and power than nearly all of its recent peers.

As far as children's fantasy films go, "Skellig" is excellent. One of the best ever, in fact. Unlike a lot of other such adaptations to come out in the past few years, this film is never overwhelmed by special effects or action sequences. Rather, it's quite grounded in reality as natural feeling. There's that certain combination of improbability and cinematic style that always keeps it from being an experience that transcends the genre, but that comes with the territory.

Bill Milner (as Michael), who I'd seen previously in "Is Anybody There?" is what focuses the film. He offers up a performance that's at once easy to identify with and totally believable. Skye Bennett, who played his friend, was also very good. She has the kind of brilliance that makes you look forward to seeing more of her. Two actors I'd previously liked a lot (Kelly Macdonald and John Simm) play Michael's parents. Though less significant roles, it's their talent that makes the family aspect of the film so much more convincing.

As for Tim Roth - he is what it all hinges on. The melancholy, fearfulness, emotional expression and power of his performance gives "Skellig" something beyond expectation. He takes the film to a higher level. The director, Annabel Jankel, who'd not previously made anything approaching decent quality, proves herself to be someone capable of telling a good story. I enjoyed this film, and I'd show it to my kids.

If I had any.