Dominic Cooper says filming in the rugged landscapes of Donegal, Ireland, proved to be a profoundly “healing and attractive” experience, particularly as he navigated personal grief. The actor shared these sentiments during a recent appearance on the Late Late Show, coinciding with the release of his new film, The Lightkeeper, this weekend.
Cooper, known for roles in Captain America: The First Avenger and the television series The Crown, described a deep connection to the Irish soil and community he encountered even as filming. The experience came shortly after the loss of his mother, a circumstance that unexpectedly intertwined with the local history he discovered.
“I fell completely in love with it, actually,” Cooper told host Patrick Kielty. “It was a particularly healing, beautiful place to be and the people there were wonderful as well.” He revealed a striking coincidence: his mother’s maiden name was Herron and the community where they filmed was largely populated by families with the same surname.
“We lived in this community, in fact I had just lost my mother very, very close to filming. Her maiden name was Herron, and the family that I met there were all the Herrons,” Cooper explained. “We just used to sit together and sing, and play instruments, and talk, it was sort of almost the perfect remedy or cure, it was just exactly what was needed.”
A Spiritual Connection to the Irish Landscape
Cooper spoke of a unique energy he felt in Donegal, describing it as unlike anywhere else he’s traveled. He noted the richness of the soil and the powerful presence of the ocean, suggesting a spiritual dimension to the land. “There’s this expanse of land, it’s beautiful, the ocean… and I’ve always felt this in Ireland the soil, it’s just so rich, something’s going on, it’s fizzing with something,” he said.
“It’s so much energy, it’s unlike anywhere I’ve ever been, you feel something’s inhabiting you sometimes. It feels like people who have gone, are there, since it’s very spiritual.” He reiterated that this particular part of Ireland, previously unknown to him, offered a sense of solace and renewal.
The Lightkeeper: A Period Drama Rooted in Irish History
The Lightkeeper, initially developed under the title Cry From the Sea, is a romantic drama set in Ireland in 1924. According to Wikipedia, the film stars Cooper as Seamus Óg McGrinna, a lighthouse keeper who lives a secluded life awaiting the mythical Each Uisce (Water-Horse). The story unfolds as his carefully constructed isolation is disrupted by the arrival of three individuals: an American war widow, a protective housekeeper, and a determined priest.
Sarah Gadon and Sarah Bolger also star in the film, which was filmed extensively in and around Inishowen and other parts of Donegal. The Derry Journal reported that both Cooper and Bolger were scheduled to discuss the film on the Late Late Show with Patrick Kielty.
Production and Casting
The project began development in July 2021 with backing from Telefilm Canada and Screen Ireland, as reported by Wikipedia. Aidan Quinn joined the cast in August 2022, followed by Dominic Cooper and Sarah Gadon, and Sarah Bolger in August 2023. Filming commenced in September 2023.
The cast also includes Aidan Quinn as Father MacGabhann, David Pearse as O’Rathaile, RaeAnne Boon as Brigid, Jaden Rain as Weeshie, and Keith McErlean as Paddy Joe.
The Lightkeeper offers a glimpse into a specific moment in Irish history, exploring themes of isolation, connection, and the enduring power of the landscape. Cooper’s personal experience underscores the profound impact that location and community can have on the creative process, and on individual healing.
As The Lightkeeper opens in cinemas this weekend, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Donegal and the compelling story of Seamus Óg McGrinna. Further updates on the film’s reception and distribution will be available in the coming weeks.
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