Ondine 2010

ONDINE is a captivating modern fairy tale that unfolds the touching story of Syracuse, portrayed by Colin Farrell, an Irish fisherman who leads a life filled with routine until a remarkable event changes everything. One day, he hauls in a breathtaking and enigmatic woman, whom he learns to call Ondine, played by Alicja Bachleda. As she reveals her name, it carries the meaning “she came from the sea,” sparking a series of magical encounters.

Syracuse’s daughter, Annie, played by Alison Barry, becomes enchanted by Ondine, swiftly coming to believe that she is a selkie—a mythical creature in Celtic lore that can transform from a seal into a human. This belief adds a layer of mystical hope to their lives, as Annie yearns for a miracle to cure her kidney illness. The legend tells that a selkie can shed her seal coat to live on land but can revert back to her aquatic form whenever she wishes by putting it back on. The notion that Ondine might have left the ocean for seven years ignites Annie’s dreams of recovery.

As Ondine spends time aboard Syracuse’s fishing boat, her presence seems to invoke fortune. She sings a mesmerizing siren song, and as a result, his nets and lobster pots overflow with an astonishing catch, much to Syracuse’s astonishment. Yet, despite this apparent streak of good fortune, Syracuse remains skeptical and wary about trusting such luck—he has endured hard times as a result of his past, having earned the nickname “Circus” due to his former heavy drinking habits.

Intrigued by Ondine’s charm and beauty, Syracuse falls deeply in love with her, yet he grapples with his doubts. Is Ondine truly a selkie? Will she choose to remain with him, and can love truly be trusted? As mysteries envelop their lives, the story intensifies when a shadowy figure emerges in their small town, hinting at a more complex backstory. This menacing man raises suspicions—could he be Ondine’s husband returned to reclaim her back to her true home in the sea?

Crafted by the talented vision of Neil Jordan and beautifully showcased through the lens of cinematographer Christopher Doyle against the enchanting Irish coastline, ONDINE is a poignant exploration of love, hope, and the tenacity to believe in what seems impossible, intertwining the essence of fairy tales with the realities of life.