The Delinquent Season (2018) User Reviews (28)

Quite good but could easily have been better

[Bertaut · 7/10 · 4 May 2018]

The Delinquent Season tells the story of two married couples living in Dublin; Jim (Cillian Murphy) and Danielle (Eva Birthistle), and Chris (Andrew Scott) and Yvonne (Catherine Walker). As the foursome are having dinner one evening, an argument breaks out between Chris and Yvonne, with Chris behaving in a worryingly irrational manner. A few days later, Chris confides in Jim as to why he's been having mood swings of late, swearing Jim to secrecy. Over the next few weeks, as Chris's mood swings become physically aggressive, Yvonne turns to Jim for support, and soon, they are in the midst of an affair. Jim, however, continues to keep Chris's secret.

The film treats well the topic of middle-class malaise and ennui, deftly shifting the audience's sympathy multiple times throughout. However, in his feature directorial debut, Mark O'Rowe misses a great opportunity for a really powerful dénouement, letting the narrative drag on for 10 minutes or so too long. Still though, it's well acted, and extremely realistic, attaining an almost documentarian objectivity at times. Well worth checking out.

Brilliant movie, well made!!

[jkt2006 · 7/10 · 28 December 2019]

I enjoyed this drama story through its runtime. The story, the sudden twist, great screenplay real performances make it so watchable and enjoyable. Totally recommended!!

Intense and impressive

[xandershelley · 7/10 · 27 November 2018]

An intense mix of romance and suspense, The Delinquent Season provides a story that displays marriages gone terribly wrong. The director Mark O'Rowe gives a story about two Irish couples who are close friends, having dinners with each other and coordinating playdates between their children. The movie escalates when the two couples begin to get involved in a situation of adultery, testing the strength of marriage and unraveling surprising circumstances. I thought the movie itself was very entertaining, being filmed in a grim and serious way that had me attentive throughout. The acting was impressive as well, I specifically enjoyed the performance by Cillian Murphy. Overall, The Delinquent Season is an entertaining entry in the drama genre.

Extremely thought provoking

[golaneliah · 7/10 · 10 September 2020]

In a time when movies often don't fully portray the aftermath of betrayal, I felt this movie reminded me what I seem to have been indifferent to, dare I say forgotten. The main thing I think this film tries to do, is provoke its' audience to rethink the aftermath of betrayal. Nowadays, the whole relationship institution has dissolved into nothing substantial. Whilst emphasizing the collapse of loyalty between the partners and to the marriage itself, the movie has awakened the inevitable consequence of each disloyal act we partake in, when in a relationship.

The actors were fantastic and Cillian Murphy's performance definitely stood out. It's certainly a refreshing change to see him portray a character that's preserving a tiny portion of his own nature, so it seems.

I must say though, at first, I thought the movie was rather boring during the first twenty minutes. Only then did I realize that as boring as it was to watch the characters day to day life, it must be dreadful to actually live as such, thus explaining, and ultimately leading, to the acts of infidelity.

Movie for one or two times

[natalienovells · 6/10 · 20 November 2021]

I like Cillian Murphy, if it wasn't him I wouldn't watch the movie because it's kinda boring. I also didn't expect such ending. I think it's a movie for 1-2 times.

Intense drama about perspective in the faithfulness of marriage

[shakercoola · 6/10 · 7 August 2018]

An Irish drama; A story about wo couples in suburban Dublin who appear to live in marital bliss until an altercation between one of the couples occurs, which leads to cracks appearing in both marriages. This intense drama has several themes including whether love is always conditional? And, despite a close marital relationship, how well does one know their spouse? The film creates the background drama to these questions and tension is effectively built. But, the middle class observational banter is banal and a distraction and adds nothing to the central questions it attempts to answer. When the infedility occurs in the story it feels like it has no foundation, just passion and misery - there are no mechanics that judge either side. With a first rate cast, the performances make the film very watchable and dramatic, but the direction is quite static and almost stagey.

tugs at my heart strings

[natcalgary · 7/10 · 6 February 2019]

This movie shows that nothing should be taken for granted and life doesn't wait for anyone. Use every second of precious time to get what you want and surround yourself with the people that are important to you.

7.1

Solid movie that has a lingering effect

[eyefordetail · 8/10 · 8 July 2018]

It was Cillian Murphy that attracted me to watch this movie. And I got so much more. Solid story with a presentation of moral dilemmas that have a lasting effect - both in thought and discussions. What would you do when impossible situations present themselves as attractive temptations? Cillian Murphy and Catherine Walker carry the movie, with great moments of Andrew Scott and Eva Birthistle. Solid hour and 3/4 of good acting. Most probably for the deeper thinkers, as this is not a light romance. I loved the ending and the outcome and the statement it makes. Counter-intuitive, I would say. Watch it to understand.

Relatable and believable

[Gordon-11 · 17 August 2019]

This film tells the story of a man who has decisions to make regarding his love life.

The story is relatable and believable. Even though the four people are all doing something that isn't right, there is just no way for you to dislike them. I would love the ending to be different though.

loved this film, but it has some flaws.

[aetainna · 7/10 · 25 January 2022]

It definitely deserves more credit than it receives. Cillian and Andrew were the only actors in the film who knew how to act. Perhaps could have been better if the role of "Yvonne" were recast, but the over all story is relatable and emotional. I love it, despite the mentioned flaws.

A step backwards for Irish cinema

[MOscarbradley · 2/10 · 10 January 2019]

Half-decent performances from the four principles can in no way disguise the banality of writer Mark O'Rowe's directorial debut "The Delinquent Season". This tale of a couple of couples having marital problems in contemporary Dublin comes across like a bad play in which one character waits for the other character to finish speaking before they speak, not that what they have to say is worth listening to. O'Rowe isn't a bad writer as his previous work testifies but he has no idea of how to direct actors; he makes what potentially might be an interesting situation dull. Worse, he makes it all so unreal. Never once did I get the feeling I was watching anything but a group of actors going through their paces. I certainly never felt I was watching people with blood in their veins. A definite step backwards for Irish cinema.

Delicate & moving. So much better than the critics made it sound

[Nadine1301 · 9/10 · 21 June 2018]

When I read last year that Andrew Scott and Cillian Murphy would be making a film together I got very excited, as they are both absolute favourites of mine. When I then read some online reviews after the film came out in Ireland, criticising it as boring, hugely disappointing and dull I almost didn't watch it, and how sad that would have been. I'm not entirely sure which film these critics saw, but I found it anything but boring and disappointing. Quite the contrary... I watched it about 5 days ago and it is still stuck in my head and I keep of finding myself thinking back to it. Yes, it is slow paced in places, it doesn't have crazy twists and turns every 15 minutes and if you compare it to other relationship & affair dramas it's nowhere near as shocking, but thats exactly what made it so much more interesting to me. It's so realistic! It feels exactly what I'd imagine it would feel like to have an affair, and the the way the story unfolds is extremely close to life and makes you feel exhilarated but completely uncomfortable at the same time. Yes, you can tell that the director has only directed theatre productions, which gives the film a certain spareness, but once again this makes it more unique to me. It's not overloaded with side stories and mind blowing cinematography, it gets to the point of human feelings & needs. The constant questioning of what is right and wrong, of what makes you happy and how far you're allowed to go for it, of who you are and who you want to be and the issues you might have with yourself that lead to having an affair are so well played out, so is the struggle with love vs. lust and what it all really means! At the end I felt like I really knew these people, and I deeply felt for them. It's such a small but perfect cast and such a tender and yet uncomfortable story. I personally can only very highly recommend it and will definitely watch it again.

Nice movie with an authentic believable story

[ajavan-47330 · 7/10 · 10 January 2019]

This movie tells the true acrid ending of married couples having love affairs.

Schadenfreude

[westsideschl · 4/10 · 23 June 2019]

What misfortune on my part to see this film & "Gloria Bell" one after the other. Both show females (w/complicity by males of course) leading dysfunctional personal love lives, and the hollow (read sex) steps they take to try to fulfill what's missing, i.e. to give meaning & love to their lives. Of course a lot of hurt shows up. People have so much, yet never satisfied even w/so much natural beauty & life to be grateful for.

The theme of this film

[AA_XX · 6/10 · 2 May 2022]

Don't cheat on your spouse. If you cheat, you'll be fuxked.

However, the film lacks directing and storytelling to express this theme. It's a little old-fashioned.

hard work to do ladies

[thesecondsister · 9/10 · 12 February 2020]

Very good description of what are our relationships with our husband, wife, children today. Nobody really lies but nobody really tells the truth. A wife who considers her husband as her houseboy, another one who thinks seriously that she just have to snap her fingers to make the lover she thrown badly come back right away. I like the end of the film because a man has found what he was looking for, may be even without having the consciousness of that, a woman who loves him. Even if they are coming from very different backgrounds, he knows he is beloved. the actors are all very good. Too bad that this film had only a limited distribution. Bravo to the Irish cinema, and especially to Cillian Murphy who is not afraid to take risks when he chooses a character to play.

Great performances and moving story

[rachelsinker · 8/10 · 8 July 2019]

I think this film deserves a better rating owing to the fabulous performances of all the 4 main actors. A tender and sensitive portrayal of a very real subject.

Excellent

[kennyje · 9/10 · 24 October 2019]

Deeply moving look at the fragility of relationships, deftly directed with incredible acting from all 4 leads, you'll be enthralled, I know I was. Great ending too! The critics weren't watching the same movie or maybe it's just they wanted to show how sometimes us Irish can be called a nation of begrudgers. Go figure but this movie is not to be missed

Not your average romantic movie!

[therealjaysmoke · 8/10 · 18 October 2019]

Am not much of a romantic movie lover and I really didn't expect anything awesome from this movie but was I blown away by what I just watched? Don't be fooled by the slow start or style! I straight couldn't think of a better ending to such drama and after years of being fed horribly scripted marvel movie endings, this was such a real relief. Even though it's fiction, it was so well scripted, directed and acted. All the four main characters did exceptionally well and I really felt the emotions. From a vulnerable state, to becoming self-centered, to being naive and reckless, then becoming angry, desperate almost to the point of obsession, to becoming remorseful, then to becoming apathetic, this movie covers every emotional aspect of cheating and it's consequences. I wouldn't wish this happen to any couple esp the man but there's so much wisdom in this movie to learn and I totally recommend it for every man in a relationship. Just a tiny bad seed is all it takes and if you aren't man enough, that seed will grow into a tree and ruin everything for you.

Really engaging!

[bellifcrm · 8/10 · 3 December 2018]

Shifting from his mysterious persona as Jim Moriarty in BBC's Sherlock, Adam Scott shines as Chris, an ailing father of two in The Delinquent Season. Faced with troubling news from the doctors and an unfaithful wife, Chris battles the options of fighting to keep his marriage afloat or simply letting go of the love of his life as she finds comfort in another man. While starting off at a slower pace, The Delinquent Season creates a seemingly effortless build of emotion, showcasing multiple relationships at various stages throughout the film. I was enamored by the surprisingly raw emotion that each actor was able to deliver without appearing feigned or disingenuous. Halfway through the movie, I had to remind myself that I did not actually know these people as my heart yearned to comfort each of them in their respective situations. The film touches on various real-life topics without sugar-coating them. It's an honest movie that showcases just how difficult life can be, an aspect that makes the film that much better. The Delinquent Season is the perfect movie to watch to remind all of us that each person is fighting a different battle that no one else can see.

An Affair to Remember

[dakotamillertorchlight · 9/10 · 27 November 2018]

The Delinquent Season is a realistic look into an affair and the feelings that come with it. In this Irish drama two individuals, Cillian Murphy and Eva Birthistle, are unhappy with their marriages and find comfort in each other. There is some amazing performances in this film that really capture the feelings of guilt and passion that goes along with these relationships. The performances also add a layer of realism to the characters giving the film a nice amount of depth and emotion to it. Along with the stellar performances the writing and directing of Mark O'Rowe creates for an interesting and provoking film. There is one scene that really captures the entire feeling of the movie. When both couples get together for a dinner party there is this unspoken tension between the entire room where the other two might be able to tell that there is something going on but with each character having some secret of their own it creates a very interesting web of lies. I highly recommend this film to anyone looking for a good drama.

The Delinquent Season was not what I was expecting at all!

[kelseyhealey-86169 · 8/10 · 19 November 2018]

I was pleasantly surprised by the new romantic drama,The Delinquent Season. It was not at all what I was expecting, when the mild mannered characters engaged in a scandalous affair I was taken aback. The drama filled plot was entertaining and I was excited to see the characters lives unravel. I am impressed by Cillian Murphy's noteworthy portrayal of a man who discovers he doesn't have his life together. His love interest, Yvonne, played by Catherine Walker has a tough acting challenge battling with emotion of guilt and grief, but I feel she raises to the occasion and I hope to she her in more films. Overall the film, although a little unhurried, had some strong performances and a number of impressive dramatic scenes that make the film remarkable.

Just brilliant

[dino2727 · 9/10 · 6 August 2018]

Well what the Critics watched is beyond me..this Drama really hit home leaving lasting effects, I felt quite sad at the end..and that last song 'in the room' which you can't download anywherd, is the annoying part as it's fantastic.. The actors were perfect and great story line..and j agree with the other review I would imagine an affair to be like this. Not stopped thinking about it and watched it 3 times now..that should give you a clue how good it is..I just wish you could get that last song gutted

It could be right now...

[DarknessVisible20 · 10/10 · 12 May 2023]

Life is what happens when you're busy making plans. The Delinquent season is one of the best-made dramas I've seen, and I've seen it three or four times now. A beautifully-made and superbly acted story about relationships, love, loss, and life, and how very often it doesn't go according to our plans. But even when we don't get what we want, we may just get what we need. At times the plot was heavy, but there were also moments of perfectly-timed comedic relief sprinkled in, i.e. The funeral fight, which was the last thing you expect to see at that time, and it was hilarious. All the actors are fantastic, particularly Cillian Murphy. I highly, highly recommend this gem.

True to Life

[bryangary65 · 8/10 · 7 August 2018]

Very good drama about something that could happen to any couple.

It's thought provoking and a good film to watch with your partner. Murphy was on good form but film was dominated by the performance of Catherine Walker as the tortured Yvonne

In a supporting role Lydia McGuinness was also very good