The Secret of Roan Inish
dir. John Sayles · 1994
Plot
10-year-old Fiona is sent to live with her grandparents in a small fishing village in Donegal, Ireland. She soon learns the local legend that an ancestor of hers married a Selkie - a seal who can turn into a human. Years earlier, her baby brother washed out to sea in a cradle shaped like a boat; someone in the family believes the boy is being raised by the seals. Then Fiona catches sight of a naked little boy on the abandoned Isle of Roan Inish and takes an active role in uncovering the secret of Roan Inish.
Why watch
"The Secret of Roan Inish" invites viewers into a world where the boundaries between reality and folklore blur, as a young girl embarks on a poignant journey to uncover her family's mystical past. With its lush visuals and heartfelt exploration of loss and belonging, this film is a tender ode to the magic of childhood and the enduring power of family ties.