The Drummer and the Keeper // IRISH FILM FESTIVAL SYDNEY

Published by: Aidan McLaughlin | 26-Apr-2019
Gabriel (Dermot Murphy), a drummer with bipolar, meets Christopher (Jacob McCarthy), a teenager with Aspergers Syndrome, while the pair are in rehab. An unlikely friendship blossoms despite the hardships giving both young men something to live for in life.
The Drummer and the Keeper follows two Dublin youths with mental health issues who form an unconventional bond through the love of music. Meeting in rehab, Gabriel and Christopher join forces and form a band to help them deal with their demons.

Drummer Gabriel (Dermot Murphy), recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, is forced to curb his erratic behaviour when his therapist changes his medication and insists he join a special football team. When he meets goalkeeper Christopher (Jacob McCarthy), a 17-year-old with Asperger's Syndrome who yearns to fit in, a tense relationship gradually develops into a firm friendship as each of them learn to respect the other's imperfections.

This funny and moving film examines an uncommon union that seems doomed from the start. However, their unlikely but beautiful friendship will give them both the pieces they've been missing.

Writer/director/composer Nick Kelly captures the mental health pitfalls of a Rock and Roll lifestyle with sharp insight, while his portrait of a young man with Asperger's, drawn with affection and deep understanding, is perfectly observed in the movie.

This heart-warming story shows the strength of the human bond in the face of adversity.

This movie's debut deservedly bagged the Best Irish First Feature Award at the Galway Film Fleadh.

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