Lá Breá Chuige is a coming-of-age story about an old man’s quest for human warmth. Éamon is a jazz-loving, rural pensioner who overcomes a cruel childhood and finally grows up to take a risk with love. But at what cost?
Since his elderly father’s death, Éamon copes with his loneliness by attending far-off funerals in order to connect with strangers. While attending such a funeral, he first encounters Eve and is immediately captivated. A gregarious but tender soul, Eve’s gentle influence catapults Éamon into a world of hope and possible life-changing affection. As he grows closer to her, his courage is suddenly dented when echoes of his experience at the hands of his father are revealed. Éamon panics and flees and, in the process, unwittingly reveals himself as an imposter.
With his hopes shattered, things get worse for Éamon when his beloved wireless finally gives up the ghost. Jazzless, he hits his lowest ebb but, ironically, it’s only now he deals with his father’s death. An encounter with a young boy forces him to realise he’s disregarding his own life; damaging his own quest for love. Éamon decides to face his fears, spruces himself up and returns in search of Eve who welcomes him warmly, despite the accusing glares of others. After a poignant interaction, Éamon’s fate takes a drastic twist with tragic circumstances.
With a tone that’s darkly comic and often whimsical, Lá Breá Chuige explores such themes as isolation, hope, and the power of falling in love.