A teenager finds himself torn between his father and brother’s political views and discovers something possibly life changing in this short film from Patrick Ireland.

In a small seaside town in England, George finds himself in the middle of a major estrangement between his father and his older brother Trey. Trey is an aspiring far-right nationalist while his father seems more into being liberal. The Far Right movement is against a recent surge of migrants coming to the area as they feel they will be taking all the jobs and getting everything handed to them regardless of status. When George finds a mermaid appearing out of the water, a decision is made to change the course of both George and Trey.

This is a very intriguing film about a small town boy and his brother swept in a socialist movement in England that adds a bit of fantasy with the appearance of a mermaid. There isn’t one, but two central characters in George and Trey, played respectively by Noah Silverstone and Ruaridh Aldington. In a scene that can be as reminiscent of perhaps Hitler Youth or even an event on the series Riverdale a few years back, we see Trey and some friends shooting a video proclaiming their right to keep their national pride. Clearly, George is seeing this and seems a bit uncomfortable but since he looks up to Trey, he just goes along with it as best as possible.

Things change when George comes across a mermaid, played by Smilla Erlandson, that things take a drastic turn. Could the mermaid be just that, a creature from the sea, or does she represent the migrants who are the so called “enemy” of the movement? Let’s just say the end is quite a surprise and becomes life-changing.

Ill Fares the Land is a fantasy coming-of-age short film that brings to mind a social movement that melds reality and fantasy. Excellent performances by Noah Silverstone and Ruaridh Aldington make this one to check out as a fan of short films.

WFG RATING: A-

A Dun Ross Films production. Director: Patrick Ireland. Producers: Annabella Casaburi and Jessica Romagnoli. Writer: Patrick Ireland. Cinematography: Stephen Roach. Editing: Michael Pentney.

Cast: Noah Silverstone, Ruaridh Aldington, Smilla Erlandson, Thomas Devlin, Boo Miller, Eddie Chamberlin, Mark Keegan, Catriona Hinds, Ruairi Coughlan.