Ondine (12A) *** (From Bournemouth Echo)

Ondine (12A) ***

3:43pm Friday 5th March 2010 in

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IRISH fisherman Syraceuse (Colin Farrell) is struggling to raise his young daughter, Annie (Alison Barry), who requires regular kidney dialysis, and conserves her energy by travelling in a motorised wheelchair.

The father has successfully shaken his dependency on drink, and is attempting to become a better man with the help of the local priest.

Casting out his nets, Syraceuse captures a beautiful woman called Ondine (Alicja Bachleda), who appears to be dead. Thankfully, Syraceuse manages to resuscitate her and takes Ondine back to shore.

Installing the stranger in his mother’s empty cottage, Syraceuse develops affection for Ondine.

Annie suspects that the enchanting, new addition to her father’s life may be a mermaid-like water spirit called a selkie, who is able to grant a wish.

Ondine treads water, signalling its intentions early on, but only driving the narrative forward in the final 20 minutes, resulting in a hurried denouement when the water spirit shows her true colours.