Carmen Bryce hits all the right notes with this review of The Spin.
The Spin is the uplifting semi-autobiographical film of Omagh man Mark McCausland. A celebration of Irishness, this film places a focus on music and community, all while rooting for the underdog.
The film is based on an original story by songwriter and musician McCausland. Mark also composed the charming score which takes us on the ‘spin’ around some of the most scenic parts of Ireland from Omagh to Pigeon Top in County Tyrone to Bundoran, Donegal.
Two down-on-their-luck record store owners, Elvis (Owen Colgan, Hardy Bucks) and Dermott (Brenock O’Connor, Game of Thrones) embark on a cross-country road trip to Cork to acquire a priceless record that could save their failing business and stave off their eviction by their evil landlord, Sadie (Tara Lynne O’Neill, Derry Girls).
The lovely, touching moments celebrating friendship are underpinned by a wholesome message of encouragement in following your dreams and punctuated by brilliant comedic timing from our hapless protagonists. Winner of ‘Best Irish Feature Film’ award at this year’s Dublin International Comedy Film Festival, The Spin was directed by Michael Head and is the acting debut of reality TV star Maura Higgins.
Like the film’s protagonists, the chemistry between McCausland and screenwriter Colin Broderick (Emerald City, A Bend in the River) and their mutual obsession with music shines through. The film also features cameos by Irish music legends such as Barry Devlin (Horslips) and Steve Wickham (The Waterboys).
The Spin has the intimate comedic charm of the American record-store indie classic High Fidelity (2000) and celebrates themes of how the power of music can inspire and restore hope like the iconic feature The Commitments.
The Spin premiered at The Belfast Film Festival 2024.
Article: Sound and Vision—Bringing Small-Town Stories to the Big Screen
