Maire Ni Chonlain

Maire Ni Chonlain, yeah, her name pops up if you’ve been paying attention to Irish cinema the past couple years. She’s not exactly a household name (yet), but she’s been quietly killing it in some really standout films. Most folks first clocked her in “The Quiet Girl” back in 2022—a movie that sneaks up on you with its gentle storytelling and raw emotion. Ni Chonlain plays her part with this kind of understated weight, like she knows way more than she’s letting on. There’s a real depth to her work, no frills, just straight up honesty. Then there’s “Crá” and “Fréwaka,” both dropping in 2024. She’s not just sticking to one type, either. In “Crá,” she pulls you in with this tension that’s almost physical—seriously, you can feel it in your bones. It’s the kind of performance that makes you lean forward, waiting for the next shoe to drop. And “Fréwaka”? Totally different vibe, but Ni Chonlain brings this spark, a kind of nervy energy that crackles through every scene she’s in. She’s got this knack for finding the human core of every character, even when things get weird or heavy or just plain sad. Honestly, it’s wild how she keeps turning up in these films that are all about real people, real pain, real hope. No melodrama, just the kind of acting that sticks with you long after the credits roll. If you’re not keeping tabs on her yet, you probably should be.