Ken Williams
Poster for The Break: Barry Keoghan and Ronan Leahy against a blue sky, with the cast list and an Irish Film Festival 2015 laurel

Short film, 2014

The Break

A family seek refuge on a picturesque beach. But have they outstayed their welcome?

Role
Writer & director
Cast
Ronan Leahy, Barry Keoghan, Jacob Lea, Emmet Kirwan, Aoibhéann McCann, Jon Kenny
  • Opening film, Cork Film Festival
  • Official Selection, Irish Film Festival, 2015
  • Best Drama, Macoproject Film Festival, 2017
  • Shortlisted, Best Film, Film Festa Rome, 2016
  • Shortlisted, Best Film and Best Script, Richard Harris Film Festival, 2016
  • Broadcast on RTÉ Television and Aer Lingus flights
A “No camping by order” sign in the foreground as the father walks up the road
Ronan Leahy at the counter of a village shop, Jon Kenny behind it
Ronan Leahy and Jon Kenny
The father walking alone down a country road, hands in pockets, hills behind
Father and son holding each other on the beach at dusk
Barry Keoghan, Jacob Lea and Ronan Leahy on the dunes
Three of the cast, wrapped up in coats and hoods, on the dunes during the shoot
On set

What viewers said

  • “Ending makes me believe a little more in humanity, even if it’s fiction. Someone wrote it, so it came from someone’s heart…”

    A YouTube viewer, 2021

  • “Beautiful story. Could you imagine what it would be like if everyone had compassion?”

    A YouTube viewer, 2021

  • “Who’s cutting all these onions in here?”

    A YouTube viewer, 2021

  • “The shopkeeper scene was the most convincing act in my opinion. The cashier made me so uncomfortable, and it was so awkward when Tim dropped the coin.”

    A YouTube viewer, 2020

  • “In most of Barry’s roles, he gives off the feelings and emotions of a protector, someone who knows how to calm someone down who is struggling. What a beautiful quality in an actor and human being.”

    A YouTube viewer, 2024

  • “This one made me cry. Many of us don’t have anyone, and for the father to have his sons and one person looking out for him was a blessing.”

    A YouTube viewer, 2023

  • “Sometimes when it seems all hope is lost, a small kindness is all that’s needed to turn it around. Very well made film, well acted. Well written.”

    A YouTube viewer, 2021

  • “Such a beautiful movie. Great actors, gorgeous scenery, heart-grabbing storyline of a loving father just trying to do his best.”

    A YouTube viewer, 2025

  • “Awe sh*t. That really grabbed me in my feels.”

    A YouTube viewer, 2025

  • “Awww, tears of happiness at the end.”

    A YouTube viewer, 2021

  • “Barry Keoghan is def a force to be reckoned with.”

    A YouTube viewer, 2021

  • “Loved this film. Well acted. Ending made me tear up.”

    A YouTube viewer, 2025

  • “I didn’t see that coming. Beautiful!”

    A YouTube viewer, 2021

  • “Thank you for making me sob.”

    A YouTube viewer, 2024

1 / 14

Our biggest and most ambitious shoot at the time, The Break was a huge task for a small team. The script dealt with complex issues but was warmly received and attracted a talented, established cast.

A four-day shoot, mostly on a beach, with a large cast and crew created its own problems, but it went smoothly. The film opened Cork Film Festival, played around the world, and was screened on RTÉ Television and Aer Lingus flights.