I really enjoyed it the acting from the main character was excellent the story line good and her treatment by the police as well as by social services in my experience incredibly accurate ! Definitely worth a watch
98 Reviews
Solid
kathmummybear26 April 2020
Watchable but with annoying plot holes
oarch18 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It's not like I had to stop this and swear. It's a perfectly watchable film set in Northern Ireland inside a neighborhood with unusually high crime rate, which kind of surprised me. But what surprised me more is that a sexy single mother with two small children would keep the extremely flimsy door to her apartment unlocked. Call me paranoid, but I would save for months to install a decent door if I were living in that neighborhood. Also, she keeps a big knife in the bedroom, just in case a rapist decides to break in through the flimsy back door. What surprised me the most, however, is that three murderous drug dealers would let anyone carry a large bag into their lair without paying any attention to what is inside the bag. With a few corrections here and there, the storyline could have been a lot more convincing. Other than that, I was entertained.
God help the mister who comes between mum, her son and his sister
jimbo-53-1865119 May 2020
Mild-mannered single parent Sarah (Sarah Bolger) has recently lost her husband (who had been murdered). Sarah struggles with the day-to-day challenge of raising her 2 children with limited money. Things take a turn for Sarah when Tito (Andrew Simpson) enters her life and mild-mannered Sarah soon learns that Tito may know something about her husband's death. With Tito's presence becoming increasingly unwelcome, Sarah takes matters in to her own hands and becomes more determined than ever to find out once and for all who murdered her husband...
Set somewhere in Northern Ireland (no idea where as it's never explained) A Good Woman is Hard to Find is a low-budget thriller whose main focus is on an honest law-abiding woman being somewhat forced to take on a darker parallel existence in order to protect her children.
This is a slow film which undoubtedly will be a problem to some people (the first 30 minutes are particularly challenging where we're mostly just witnessing people walking round in stony silence). Once Tito enters the picture then it does liven up a bit (early on there are some quiet moments of introspection some of which are insightful before we later see Tito show his true colours).
From this point onwards the majority of the film focus on the other story strand (the heavies trying to track Tito down for stealing their drugs). At times the film does tend to lose focus and there are definitely flaws within the narrative - such as why Tito robs the heavies in the first place? This is never explained. It also has to be said that this film is quite graphic so those that are easily disturbed by extreme violence are advised to approach the film with caution. Also worth noting are the accents which can sometimes be quite hard to understand (and this is coming from someone that is English btw)
Sarah's determination to get to the bottom of her husband's murder leads to a showdown with the heavies which is suitably tense with a couple of twists thrown in for good measure. Overall then this is not an amazing film that is likely to blow anyone away, but after a slow start it does begin to manifest its into an interesting journey about a woman's determination to protect her children whilst also finding out who killed her husband. It's definitely worth a look.
Set somewhere in Northern Ireland (no idea where as it's never explained) A Good Woman is Hard to Find is a low-budget thriller whose main focus is on an honest law-abiding woman being somewhat forced to take on a darker parallel existence in order to protect her children.
This is a slow film which undoubtedly will be a problem to some people (the first 30 minutes are particularly challenging where we're mostly just witnessing people walking round in stony silence). Once Tito enters the picture then it does liven up a bit (early on there are some quiet moments of introspection some of which are insightful before we later see Tito show his true colours).
From this point onwards the majority of the film focus on the other story strand (the heavies trying to track Tito down for stealing their drugs). At times the film does tend to lose focus and there are definitely flaws within the narrative - such as why Tito robs the heavies in the first place? This is never explained. It also has to be said that this film is quite graphic so those that are easily disturbed by extreme violence are advised to approach the film with caution. Also worth noting are the accents which can sometimes be quite hard to understand (and this is coming from someone that is English btw)
Sarah's determination to get to the bottom of her husband's murder leads to a showdown with the heavies which is suitably tense with a couple of twists thrown in for good measure. Overall then this is not an amazing film that is likely to blow anyone away, but after a slow start it does begin to manifest its into an interesting journey about a woman's determination to protect her children whilst also finding out who killed her husband. It's definitely worth a look.
Effective thriller on a budget
youngcollind7 October 2021
The plot is pretty straightforward, it has some clever twists but nothing ground breaking. The unshakable tension is impressive, maintaining a genuine feeling of suspense and unease from beginning to end. Sarah Bolger's performance is fantastic, she delivers a very human character that you can really feel is tearing apart at the seams. To move the plot forward, they rely on several overly convenient and unbelievable coincidences, and it kinda takes you out of things sometimes. Otherwise, it's an easy watch, if you consider watching a women go through horrible things for 90 minutes to be easy to watch.
Enjoyable revenge thriller.
Jester22220 April 2020
Well worth a watch.
Really enjoyed and was rooting for the lead character.
The only weak link was the top bad guy drug boss.
His acting was atrocious. Even the way he walked was faux hard man. Unintentionally hilarious.
Some good gory effects too. And an attractive lead not too scared to play plain and tired looking.
Some good gory effects too. And an attractive lead not too scared to play plain and tired looking.
Contrived nonsense
michael-kerrigan-526-12497427 December 2019
great
SnoopyStyle16 March 2021
In a tough neighborhood, Sarah (Sarah Bolger) is a struggling single mom with two young kids. Her husband was brutally murdered and the police don't care. A man suddenly barges into her home. He's a drug dealer who had just stolen a stash from a ruthless drug lord. Sarah is relieved when he leaves but he keeps coming back. He's using her home as a stash house.
Bolger is great. The story is well constructed. There is some good reality to the situation. Other than a couple of minor issues, this is a great drama. I would definitely do the thing in the tub and not in that room. It would be easier to do the cleanup. I love all the little bread crumbs the story lays out. It took me a while to figure out what the policewoman meant at the beginning. I was a little slow but the movie is able to keep pulling me along. The director does need more seasoning to amp up his action work and the thriller aspect of the movie. There is still good tension due to Bolger's acting and the story. This is great.
Bolger is great. The story is well constructed. There is some good reality to the situation. Other than a couple of minor issues, this is a great drama. I would definitely do the thing in the tub and not in that room. It would be easier to do the cleanup. I love all the little bread crumbs the story lays out. It took me a while to figure out what the policewoman meant at the beginning. I was a little slow but the movie is able to keep pulling me along. The director does need more seasoning to amp up his action work and the thriller aspect of the movie. There is still good tension due to Bolger's acting and the story. This is great.
Hollywood can learn a thing or two from this movie
FixedYourEnding11 June 2020
How can you avoid a movie that the main hero has the same name as the actress :) but seriously this is a good movie. Good acting, real-people and interesting without doing the Hollywood jump-scares. It is filmed mostly in Ireland and shows some characters that you can believe occupy that area. Also the soundtrack although limited, is very good.
Overall I liked this movie a lot, it has all the basics of how a story should be told in its raw form. If you don't mind some gore I recommend you watch it and I would recommend all Hollywood directors to watch it to and maybe learn something about authenticity. Exact score: 67 / 100
Overall I liked this movie a lot, it has all the basics of how a story should be told in its raw form. If you don't mind some gore I recommend you watch it and I would recommend all Hollywood directors to watch it to and maybe learn something about authenticity. Exact score: 67 / 100
Good movie is also not so easy to find
kosmasp12 February 2020
Then again this one tries quite hard and some might give it points for having a female lead and taking things to a certain level. On the other hand there are also many cliches served, which may not play that well with some viewers (especially those who like to watch quite a lot of movies).
There are a few things that will make you cringe and there are quite a few coincidences that help move the story along. If you can dig them/allow them to happen, you will be able to be entertained by the movie. If not ... well, you already know the answer as you will know the outcome of this
There are a few things that will make you cringe and there are quite a few coincidences that help move the story along. If you can dig them/allow them to happen, you will be able to be entertained by the movie. If not ... well, you already know the answer as you will know the outcome of this
What an outstanding movie
stavrosalo18 May 2020
When I first came across this movie, I never expected much, but what a movie it turned out to be.
The performance of Sarah Bolger was outstanding! The plot was great, it kept me on my toes since its start till the very end, specially the last 15 minutes; they were mind blowing.
Watch it now! You'll never regret.
A harsh and realistic revenge-flick.
peterp-450-29871630 June 2020
Just let sleeping dogs lie.
The moment you see Sarah (Sarah "The Lazarus Effect" Bolger) turning the house upside down while looking for batteries for her non-working vibrator and hear her say "Thank you Jesus" a little later with visible relief, it seems as if she's a completely different character than the woman who came into the picture at the beginning of the film. Admittedly, a woman who still mourns her recently deceased husband. But then without blood splashes in her face and on her body. After seeing "Becky" only recently, "A good woman is hard to find" is yet another revenge film in which a desperate woman takes a thorough revenge on those who made her life a living hell. Not that she suffered physical injuries. But the murder of her husband and the way in which she is treated by society makes sure that it's best your not going to stand in Sarah's way. Those who do will experience the painful consequences.
The only thing I found a bit unrealistic was the constant apathy and misogyny displayed here. Never thought there were so many rude, insensitive and tactless people in the UK. A shop assistant who treats Sarah like a utensil and makes use of a fairly sexist language. A psychologist who shows a lack of tact. But especially the way the police treated her was totally implausible to me. Even if the activities of the deceased husband were not too kosher, that doesn't mean that this widow should be treated in such a low-minded, condescending way. And while the drug gang is notorious in this district who don't treat annoying individuals in a gentle way, it seems as if they are unknown to the local police.
In any case, "A good woman is hard to find" has a more realistic character than, say, a film like "Becky". The bleak and hopeless situation Sarah finds herself in. The gray slums in Belfast, Ireland, where drug trafficking is rampant. Lawlessness seems to be a standard in this social neighborhood. And the revenge actions can also be called quite brutal. And at the same time more plausible than in other films. When Sarah goes to the local hardware store and starts purchasing a whole arsenal of working tools, you can expect nauseating scenes. Not that it's explicitly portrayed. But the background noise and slow-motion images leave nothing to the imagination. Immediately I was thinking about "American Psycho".
Although "A good woman is hard to find" is a fairly conventional thriller that doesn't deviate from the standard rules of the genre, there are still some elements that make the film rise above average. There's the admirable acting of Sarah Bolger. A woman who has to deal with the loss of her husband on the one hand and then realizes that he actually lived a different life. The impetus for the rising violence can be traced back to petty thief Tito (Andrew Simpson). Stealing a load of drugs, belonging to the local drug lord Leo Miller (Edward Hogg), and using Sarah's house as an alternative storage place, he forces Sarah to defend herself as a determined lioness. Also, those two roles (Tito and Leo) are played properly. And finally there's the film technical aspect. Solid image quality. "A good woman is hard to find" is in all respects a dark and depressing film that shows the harsh reality of life in a hard and realistic way. An intense trip, as it were.
More reviews here: movie-freak.be
The moment you see Sarah (Sarah "The Lazarus Effect" Bolger) turning the house upside down while looking for batteries for her non-working vibrator and hear her say "Thank you Jesus" a little later with visible relief, it seems as if she's a completely different character than the woman who came into the picture at the beginning of the film. Admittedly, a woman who still mourns her recently deceased husband. But then without blood splashes in her face and on her body. After seeing "Becky" only recently, "A good woman is hard to find" is yet another revenge film in which a desperate woman takes a thorough revenge on those who made her life a living hell. Not that she suffered physical injuries. But the murder of her husband and the way in which she is treated by society makes sure that it's best your not going to stand in Sarah's way. Those who do will experience the painful consequences.
The only thing I found a bit unrealistic was the constant apathy and misogyny displayed here. Never thought there were so many rude, insensitive and tactless people in the UK. A shop assistant who treats Sarah like a utensil and makes use of a fairly sexist language. A psychologist who shows a lack of tact. But especially the way the police treated her was totally implausible to me. Even if the activities of the deceased husband were not too kosher, that doesn't mean that this widow should be treated in such a low-minded, condescending way. And while the drug gang is notorious in this district who don't treat annoying individuals in a gentle way, it seems as if they are unknown to the local police.
In any case, "A good woman is hard to find" has a more realistic character than, say, a film like "Becky". The bleak and hopeless situation Sarah finds herself in. The gray slums in Belfast, Ireland, where drug trafficking is rampant. Lawlessness seems to be a standard in this social neighborhood. And the revenge actions can also be called quite brutal. And at the same time more plausible than in other films. When Sarah goes to the local hardware store and starts purchasing a whole arsenal of working tools, you can expect nauseating scenes. Not that it's explicitly portrayed. But the background noise and slow-motion images leave nothing to the imagination. Immediately I was thinking about "American Psycho".
Although "A good woman is hard to find" is a fairly conventional thriller that doesn't deviate from the standard rules of the genre, there are still some elements that make the film rise above average. There's the admirable acting of Sarah Bolger. A woman who has to deal with the loss of her husband on the one hand and then realizes that he actually lived a different life. The impetus for the rising violence can be traced back to petty thief Tito (Andrew Simpson). Stealing a load of drugs, belonging to the local drug lord Leo Miller (Edward Hogg), and using Sarah's house as an alternative storage place, he forces Sarah to defend herself as a determined lioness. Also, those two roles (Tito and Leo) are played properly. And finally there's the film technical aspect. Solid image quality. "A good woman is hard to find" is in all respects a dark and depressing film that shows the harsh reality of life in a hard and realistic way. An intense trip, as it were.
More reviews here: movie-freak.be
Actress is good
ks-6050026 November 2019
The way she look and the character in the movie is a perfect match. A young widow with no hope in her life pursuing the truth of her husband death. She demonstrated a very weak side of a widow but turned strong at the end. It's not the best movie but Sarah did draw my attention.
Simple Review
andrewgrgtwn10 November 2019
Helpless mother turns Daredevil !
saptesh78620 May 2020
Her husband was murdered by unknown man, a young woman lives with her two children got trapped in dangerous situation and finally found murderer in that risky way accidentally. Story is interested but script is loose. Between part is gruesome and could be distributed one. Thrill is lesser only last 15 minutes are really watchable. Cilmax is surprised you never expect end this way. A dumb woman turns a darerer finally. Watchable at once. Good acting by real Sarah for reel Sarah.
not too bad
watcher20198 May 2020
Not bad
HumbleMensa30 March 2022
A decent flick.
I'm not equipped to fully appreciate the situation the main character has to deal with because it's a lifestyle I've never lived. I mean, I get it, but unless you've been in that environment or lifestyle...you can't truly know what you'd do. It's a crime thriller, that's all I'll say. The actress playing the primary character is someone I'd never heard of before, but I'll look out for her now because she did a good job.
I'm not equipped to fully appreciate the situation the main character has to deal with because it's a lifestyle I've never lived. I mean, I get it, but unless you've been in that environment or lifestyle...you can't truly know what you'd do. It's a crime thriller, that's all I'll say. The actress playing the primary character is someone I'd never heard of before, but I'll look out for her now because she did a good job.
Excellent Revenge Thriller
Freedom0602862 October 2020
This is the best thriller I've seen in quite awhile. Too bad more people didn't see it. It came out last year, but I never heard of it until two days ago.
It's very realistic, all the characters are believable, and the acting and direction are very good. The last twelve minutes are especially entertaining, but I won't spoil it.
It's very realistic, all the characters are believable, and the acting and direction are very good. The last twelve minutes are especially entertaining, but I won't spoil it.
How life can turn bad in a minute
ebookgamer9 April 2022
I enjoyed this revenge film. Realistic acting and scenarios. Shows how life can suddenly change in a heartbeat and have bad people in your life. I read one review saying "not another revenge movie", but how is that a review? They don't want any more revenge movies made? It's like saying not another animated film... This movie, I'm glad I saw it. I've seen thousands of movies in 35 years as an adult, and this is about 7/10 in all revenge films.
Entertaining but....
drunk_please_disregard7 June 2020
Genre bender plus!
biljao25830 October 2019
An engaging and entertaining movie, but not for the squeamish. The storyline effectively combines elements of social realism, thriller/suspense, gruesome black comedy and a bit of kinky humour. Technically very high standard (even though apparently made on a low budget) with a solid cast. But it's worth watching the movie for Sarah Bolger's great performance alone.
not great but not bad
natcalgary20 November 2019
My expectations was High
ruthredick16 April 2020
The bones aof a good movie....but....
doctor-how5 November 2019
This could have been solid little indie movie that punched well above it's weight but it is let down by some serious plot holes and simplistic writing. What is good though is the performance from Sarah Bolger, the cinematography and the sound design.
Not a bad way to spend an hour and a half but sadly flawed enough to make it good rather than very good.
Not a bad way to spend an hour and a half but sadly flawed enough to make it good rather than very good.
WARNING
exediselijah9 March 2020
Dear family of Flannery O'Connor fans that might give this one a chance with hope for something special: don't.
To everyone else: if you like using your brain while watching a movie keep shopping, if not, have at it.
ps: Sarah Bolger did a good job all the way to the point i had to push eject. She simply needs a better script and director.
Suspend Realty And You'll Love This
daviddunn-9065316 September 2021
This is a very enjoyable 97 minutes if you are prepared to turn off your brain for the duration. Its a mixture of drama, a touch of comedy and plenty of blood.
The lead character is not a lady to be messed wth. From being an average young mother struggling in a council estate, she morphs into a one woman killing machine.
Its all very unbelievable. But f you are willing to suspend reality you'll love this. I did.
The lead character is not a lady to be messed wth. From being an average young mother struggling in a council estate, she morphs into a one woman killing machine.
Its all very unbelievable. But f you are willing to suspend reality you'll love this. I did.
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