On paper this film shouldn't have worked, being set in a lift, but actually because it's a part of our daily lives, it isn't all set in a lift and it leads to a very intriguing scenario of what would a person do if stuck in this situation with 5 other people! The wit between the characters (although cheesy at times) never appears cliché or forced due to the really good acting. I saw the film at a premier in the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire and it really went down very well. The plot was very well paced and the flashbacks between characters were very heartfelt and honest. Gerard McSorley, Fiach Kunz and Hannah Crowley put on a very good performance, but to be honest each person in the cast has their place within LIFT. For example the crush between Mick and Fiona is so cringy from the very outset that it actually makes his failed attempt to ask her out all the more enjoyable to watch despite the confines of being trapped in a lift, (naturally not helped by the dry wit of his co-worker, who certainly wins the award for worst wing-man of the year). Kealan Ryan who also wrote the story definitely has a noticeable witty empathy for all the characters and never allows for a dull moment. For a movie made on 30'000, it's most definitely a nice triumph for all the cast and crew involved and for me was a very surprisingly engaging and gripping tale between the characters which I did not expect. I definitely think more is to come on a larger scale for all the actors and production team who worked on this film.
9 Reviews
Compelling exploration of chance
EileraEllie22 August 2017
An easy to watch drama which manages to use its location limitation as a gift, rather than an obstacle. The film is dimensional without being overly complicated, filled with witty, and at times, hilarious dialogue, and rhythms of stillness vs action which will keep you on the edge of expectation till the very end. The underlying subtle interrogation of the role of chance in life is brought alive by the skillful talent - great casting choices!
Very enjoyable flick
aaron-gibson7414 August 2017
I went into this film not knowing what to expect, I mean a film all set in a lift meh doesn't sound to appealing. But I was happily and pleasantly proved wrong. This was smart and funny, and just really enjoyable. I'm not going to go deep into the film I'm not a critic but I will say this, if you're looking for a film to enjoy well then this is it, I enjoyed every minute of this flick. It's directed great, it looks great, and the acting is top notch. Go watch it.
A very promising debut feature
Termin822 June 2017
Performances are brilliant all around in this debut film. With a short enough running time it never outstays its welcome and this is an overlooked essential in an indie film like. Kealan Ryan who both wrote and stars in the film gives a fantastic and very funny performance and there's like-able chemistry between him and his friend Mick essayed by Stephen Gorman. The film also boasts some hilarious dialog and nice supporting performances.
Excellent indie film, darkly funny and very touching
tenzinmail17 October 2016
Had the pleasure of seeing Lift at the Indie Cork Film Festival, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Based around 6 characters stuck in a lift, it mixes dry wit, dark humour, snappy dialogue and an interesting narrative structure and ultimately it's a very original film. It also is very touching at times, with an absolutely excellent performance from Gerard McSorley(and in fact the entire cast give great performances)! The film is quite stylized and at times feels like watching a play, but this doesn't detract from the film in any way. The plot never drags considering much of the film takes part in a lift and it keeps your full attention throughout it's running time(which is also not overly long and stays in tune with the pacing). Great production value too, with especially nice camera-work. It also never lapses into cliché which I felt is one of the best things about the film, which again goes back to the excellent plot/writing. If you get a chance to see this film do your self a favour and watch it, it's a really enjoyable watch and well worth your time if your at all a fan on dark/off kilter comedies or Irish made films in general!
A must see!
cathryan-2290915 August 2017
Didn't expect to see what I saw with this Film.. thought the confines of being stuck in an Elevator wouldn't be to my taste... so wrong... the characters are so defined pretty early on... then the back story hits you right between the eyes... the love, emotion, and family relationships are revealed and it is happy and sad... of course I didn't expect the action... how could there be action in a Film where people are stuck in the lift... this is where it shines.. I won't ruin it... I'm no spoiler... but the twists and turns at the end of this film, made it for me... I would like to see more from this Crew... perhaps a sequel in 10 years... Catherine Maguire
Its a hit!
stephenryanxxx17 August 2017
This crew and cast of Lift has done for elevators what that Colin Farrell movie did for phone boxes. I work on the 9th floor and those 10 seconds in the morning and evening are the most boring of my day. This movie is anything but and I don't know how they did it. Maybe its because the set is so confined that everyone works so well together, because they have to. There is nowhere to hide so instead everyone stands out while also giving each other room to shine. The relationships are all heart, the action is intense but it's the laughs that really made me fall in love with this movie. Reminds me of 12 Angry Men. A gem, cant wait to re-watch this surprise little masterpiece
Irish Dogday Afternoon
mitjasmiljanic22 June 2017
With an excellent cast frontrunned by a young actor Fiach Kunz who reminds of Aaron Paul during the film, Conor Armstrong Sanfey and writer Kealan Ryan make smart choices that make filmmaking look easy. With both estetic look and all of the cast's talent one would NEVER say that this is a NO BUDGET film. Resembling a 70's classic Dogday Afternoon, Lift gives you its own Irish version of Sonny Wortzik with a striking performance by champagne cast and crew. Had the privilege to meet Conor Armstrong Safney, Fiach Kunz, Kealan Ryan, Stephen Gorman and Colin Walsh. Their down to Earth private habitus gave me a simple answer why this film works perfectly. Control your ego everyone, 'cause great movie making is possible even with NO MONEY AT ALL. Brilliant work! Congrats!
So good
dermob-158-85797615 August 2019
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