Jim Sheridan Returns to Tribeca with "Re-Creation," the Irish "12 Angry Men"

This year, iconic Irish director, Jim Sheridan, known for films like My Left Foot, Brothers, In The Name of The Father, and The Field, premiered his newest project, Re-Creation at the Tribeca Film Festival. Which marks his first feature film in nearly a decade, this time co-directed by filmmaker, David Merriman. This new, heart-wrenching courthouse drama starring Vicky Krieps, Aiden Gillen, Colm Meaney, and Sheridan himself, is leaving audience members second guessing history in what can accurately be described as Ireland's 12 Angry Men.

On the night of December 23rd, 1996, one of Ireland's most infamous crimes took place when French woman, Sophie Toscan du Plantier was brutally murdered in West Cork. The suspected perpetrator was a journalist named Ian Bailey, who Irish authorities refused to persecute after declaring witness testimony unreliable. Twenty years later, Bailey was found guilty in absentia by the Cour d'Assises in Paris but was not extradited. The only sure thing about this case is that Sophie Torcan du Plantier never got the justice she deserved.

Every few years, a courthouse drama makes it way onto American screens. Most recently it was Clint Eastwood's Juror #2, but the genre stretches all the way back to the 50's. This year's addition to the genre is one that slightly breaks the mold. Re-Creation isn't 100% truth nor fiction. It tells the story of what might have happened if Bailey was originally tried in Ireland, subjected to an Irish jury.

Re-Creation is a project that demands to be made with a delicate hand. It's a claustrophobic film, largely taking place in the same room as the jury comes to a decision. The small scope of it all makes the film extra immersive, physically placing the audience members into this cramped room where tensions are running high. It follows a very similar plot structure to Sidney Lumet's 1957 masterpiece, 12 Angry Men, where a jury is close to reaching a unanimous agreement before one juror expresses doubt, allowing all involved to re-examine the case, their personal biases, and their conscience.

Luxembourgish actress, Vickey Krieps is easily one of the finest actors working today, further proving that fact with her performance as Juror #8. The same number as the skeptical juror in 12 Angry Men, played by Henry Fonda. She approaches this role with such humility, grace, and relatability. Jim Sheridan also gives a great performance but perhaps the true standout here is John Connors as the passionate and at times detestable Juror #3, completely disappearing into the role. He commands some of the most powerful moments in the script that will leave audiences on the edge of their seat.

The case of Sophie Torcan du Plantier and Ian Bailey has been a sore source of pain and frustration for the people of Ireland since 1996. So tackling it on film was a daunting task for the cast and crew of Re-Creation, but it was handled with such grace and empathy, it was really a bittersweet joy to see come together on screen. It manages to produce a suspenseful script while still treating du Plantier's memory with respect and sensitivity.

Re-Creation is another example of Jim Sheridan's tact as a filmmaker and a further entry into Fis Éireann's (Screen Ireland) catalogue. It also serves as a fantastic directorial debut for Merriman. At this moment the film does not have a release date, having just premiered at Tribeca tonight, but definitely keep an eye out for Re-Creation if you're a fan of true-crime, a good courthouse drama, or just great cinema.