The Grand Seduction – Starring Taylor Kitsch, Brendan Gleeson, Liane Balaban, Directed by Don McKellar

A much-needed boost, in the form of a new factory, is promised to the residents of the tiny fishing village St. Marie-La-Mauderne, provided they can lure a doctor to take up full-time residency on the island. Inspired, the villagers devise a scheme to make Dr. Christopher Lewis a local.

But as the doctor’s time in the village winds to a close, acting mayor Murray French has no choice but to pull out all the stops and begin The Grand Seduction.

In the vein of Local Hero and many other small-town films before it, although it’s ultimately a somewhat forgettable film, it does have a lot of heart and a certain charm to it which makes for an easy and gratifying experience.

Verdict: Despite Gleeson’s strong performance it just misses the spot. Nevertheless, a charming film. ***

This film will be shown at The Harbour Club in Portscatho on Monday 5th January 2015.