← ← Back
Movie poster: The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)
🎬 Movie

The Secret of Roan Inish

1994 · 103 min Adventure Fantasy Family Drama
6.7 / 10 · TMDB

Ten-year-old Fiona is sent to live with her grandparents in a small fishing village in Donegal, Ireland. She soon learns the local legend that an ancestor of hers married a Selkie – a seal who can turn into a human. Years earlier, her baby brother was washed out to sea and never seen again, so when Fiona spies a naked little boy on the abandoned Isle of Roan Inish, she is compelled to investigate.

Trailer: The Secret of Roan Inish
▶ Watch Trailer

📋 Film Details

Year 1994
Country Ireland, United States of America
Genre Adventure, Fantasy, Family, Drama
Director John Sayles
Runtime 103 min.
Rating TMDB: 6.7/10 (95 votes)

📺 Where to Watch

Checking availability...

🎬 MovieFinder's Take

The film doesn't rush. It trusts the viewer — gives time to inhabit the characters, understand what's really happening. Direction here serves the actors rather than overwhelming them.

This film doesn't entertain — it speaks. If you're ready for that, it'll leave a mark. If not — it'll seem slow.

A good choice for those who value subtle direction and honest performance.

Director: John Sayles

— MovieFinder Editorial

🕯️

Best Watched

Viewing atmosphere: Unhurried, on a weekday evening. Put down the phone, let the film work.

🎭 Cast

👤

Jeni Courtney

Fiona

👤

Eileen Colgan

Tess

Mick Lally

Mick Lally

Hugh

John Lynch

John Lynch

Tadhg

👤

Pat Slowey

Priest

Dave Duffy

Dave Duffy

Jim

Declan Hannigan

Declan Hannigan

Oldest brother

👤

Richard Sheridan

Eamon

👤

Micheal MacCarthaigh

Schoolmaster

Fergal McElherron

Fergal McElherron

Sean Michael

🎬 Similar Movies

💬 Audience Reviews

Write a Review

Quick rating — tap to vote:

Or write a full review:

0/2000