Cillian O’Gairbhi

Cillian O’Gairbhi’s got this knack for slipping into roles that hit you right in the gut, you know? Take Small Things Like These (2024) for example—he doesn’t just show up, he *becomes* part of that chilly, haunting Irish winter, dragging you along as the secrets of a tiny town start to unravel. There’s this heavy, constant sense of something lurking beneath the surface, and honestly, Cillian nails that uneasy, quietly desperate vibe. The whole thing’s soaked in this atmosphere of guilt and hope, and you end up rooting for him even when the odds are stacked stupidly high. Jump back a bit to Blood (2018), and it’s a total gear shift. This one digs into family drama with a razor blade, slicing open old wounds and not shying away from the messy stuff. Cillian’s character? Messed up, conflicted, but seriously compelling. He’s got this restless energy, pacing the room, jaw clenched, always about to say something heavy. You can practically feel the tension crackling off the screen. Then there’s Foscadh (2021), and man, that’s a quiet stunner. Rural Ireland, isolation, all the awkward silences you can handle. Cillian brings this awkward charm, like he’s not sure if he should speak or just stare at his boots. But somehow, he makes you care about this guy who’s basically just trying to figure out how to exist without tripping over himself. Whether he’s carrying a film or just slipping into the background, Cillian O’Gairbhi’s performances always stick with you—like a song you can’t quite shake.