The King's Wake 2000
Step into the eerie beauty of ancient Ireland this Hallowe'en in *The King's Wake (2000)*, John McCloskey's haunting animated short that reimagines the legendary Ulster Cycle.
Director: John McCloskey
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The King's Wake (2000) about?
*The King's Wake* transports viewers to a misty, ancient Ireland where King Connor is plagued by visions of those he killed during his reign. On the night of Samhain, the boundary between the living and dead blurs, and Connor must reckon with the consequences of his violent past.
Who directed The King's Wake?
John McCloskey directed *The King's Wake (2000)*, a short animated film that blends Celtic mythology with stark visual storytelling.
Who stars in The King's Wake?
The voice cast features Stephen Rea as King Connor, with Ian McElhinney, Eleanor Methven, Peter Balance, and Tony Talbot rounding out the ensemble.
Is The King's Wake (2000) worth watching?
As a 29-minute animated short steeped in folklore, *The King's Wake* offers a moody, atmospheric experience for fans of Celtic myths or eerie storytelling. Its visual style and thematic depth make it a standout in its niche, though its brevity may limit appeal to mainstream audiences.
How long is The King's Wake?
The runtime for *The King's Wake (2000)* is 29 minutes.
About The King's Wake (2000) — A Haunting Celtic Folktale in Animation
Step into the eerie beauty of ancient Ireland this Hallowe'en in *The King's Wake (2000)*, John McCloskey's haunting animated short that reimagines the legendary Ulster Cycle. As Samhain—the Celtic festival marking the thinning of the veil between worlds—King Connor is tormented by spectral echoes of those he once vanquished, forcing him to confront a legacy steeped in blood and regret. This 29-minute visual poem blends folklore and animation to craft a moody, atmospheric tale where shadows of the past refuse to stay buried.
Stephen Rea lends gravitas to the titular monarch, haunted not just by enemies but by the weight of his own decisions, while a supporting cast including Ian McElhinney and Eleanor Methven bring depth to the spectral court. McCloskey's direction leans into the uncanny: flickering candlelight, mist-laden landscapes, and stark Celtic motifs amplify the unease, transforming a folklore fragment into a meditation on guilt and legacy. Whether viewed as a ghost story or a mythic reckoning, *The King's Wake* lingers like a half-remembered dream.