Fréwaka Summary and Review - Fairy Folklore and Family Secrets

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Fréwaka is a slow-burning Irish-language folk horror that deftly weaves ancient fairy folklore and family trauma with part of Ireland's past that haunts to this day. At its centre is Shoo, a woman caught between her personal history and the unseen forces that still command respect in remote corners of the country. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Shoo is not just visiting a haunted place - she is part of its story.

From Celebration to Tragedy

The film opens with a wedding celebration in rural 1970s Ireland, gate-crashed by masked strangers. The bride, unsettled by their appearance, mysteriously vanishes without trace, setting an eerie tone for the strange tale that follows.

Fast-forward to the present and we are introduced to Shoo and her fiancée, Mila, arriving at Shoo’s late mother’s flat to clear it out after her suicide. There is tension between them: Shoo is short-tempered and pragmatic, keen to dispose of the contents of the flat without sentiment, while Mila feels that Shoo's past deserves more consideration. Their tension is put on hold when Shoo accepts a live-in care job in a remote village - much to Mila's irritation, who is pregnant. Shoo insists they need the money and promises it won’t be for long.

On her journey, Shoo overhears an unsettling warning from a fellow bus passenger advising that she should go home. Shoo, used to being an outsider, ignores it and continues to her destination, - the isolated home of Paig, an elderly woman recovering from a stroke. Initially hostile and unwelcoming, Paig is suspected of having dementia and paranoia though her mutterings about the unseen "them", "they" and a "house under a house" hint at something uncanny.

As Shoo settles into her new role, she starts to experience growing unease. She suffers from vivid nightmares and visions, hearing screams in the night that don’t seem to emanate from Paig. The house and its grounds are littered with strange arrangements of household objects and charms. Added to this, the locals are hostile, their suspicion and whispered conversations reinforcing the feeling that Shoo is trespassing - not just on their territory, but on something sacred and secret.

Revelations of the Past

Gradually, the fractiousness between Shoo and Peig evolves into mutual respect. Both women begin to reveal their pasts and, as their bond deepens, Shoo realises that her presence in the house may not be coincidental. Their emotional connection becomes the heart of the film, offering a moving portrait of two women shaped - and wounded - by forces they could never fully tame. 

Fréwaka explores the idea of ancient forces that toy with human lives - never clearly defined, but always present and demanding tribute by way of sacrifice. Peig’s nervous mentions of “them” are intentionally vague, hinting at a presence that’s deeply rooted in the landscape and culture. The villagers’ quiet acceptance of these unseen forces reflects an unsettling willingness to coexist with the "otherworld" in order to remain on ancestral ground.

Technically Impressive

Technically, Fréwaka is impressive across the board. Aislinn Clarke's direction is confident and its visual palette and set design are rich with atmosphere. Powerful performances from Monnelly and Ni Neachtain bring an emotional depth, that allows the viewer to feel real empathy for the characters. Another standout aspect is the haunting score by Die Hexen which plays a key role in shaping Fréwaka’s uneasy atmosphere. Alternately discordant and melodic and rooted in folk-based tones, it provides an effective complement to the storytelling. 

But where it stumbles is in its tension. Despite the ominous signs, the film never quite builds the dread or fear it hints at. The deliberate pacing may be too drawn out for some tastes. And while the themes will resonate with many, those looking for genuine horror or a spine-chilling climax may come away feeling underwhelmed. 

Ultimately, Fréwaka is less a ghost story than a story about the ghosts of culture, bloodlines, and of unresolved grief. It explores important themes and would have been more memorable if embedded in a spine-chilling experience. Instead, It lingers not in scares, but in sadness. Thoughtful and emotionally resonant, it’s a film that will stay with you - just don’t expect it to haunt you in the traditional sense.

3/5

Shoo: Clare Monnelly
Peig: Bríd Ní Neachtain
Mila: Aleksandra Bystrzhitskaya 
Daithi: Mícheál Óg Lane
Director & Writer: Aislinn Clarke
Release: 2025

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