In Irish director Neil Jordan’s new film, Ondine, Farrell redeems himself. That’s right, even of Alexander.

His performance in Ondine is so fantastic, as fisherman Syracuse, and he is a funny, sad, angry person, something I never really got from Farrell.

That’s not to say that the other actors are bad, not at all. Model Alicja Bachelda gives a wonderful, bittersweet performance as maybe-Selkie (sort of like a mermaid) Ondine, and Alison Barry is the most adorable little sister/daughter you never had. Jordan regular Stephen Rea also pops up as a priest.

The reason Ondine succeeds is because Jordan treats it as a legitimate fairytale, complete with Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland and Snow White references.

Is Ondine perfect? Not by a long shot. Its third-act confession is too short, and a couple plot holes exist. But if this isn’t one of the best films of the year, it’s going to be a great half-year. It’s certainly my favorite film being released right now.

Grade: A-