The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) is a charming and mystical family drama directed by John Sayles. Set in a small fishing village off the coast of Ireland, the film blends folklore, magical realism, and coming-of-age elements to tell a deeply emotional and enchanting story. It’s a beautifully shot film that explores themes of family, heritage, and the connections between the natural world and myth.

The story centers on a young girl named Fiona (Jodie Foster’s sister, Heather McGough), who is sent to live with her grandparents in the rural coastal village of Ballyclough, following the death of her parents. Fiona’s father had disappeared many years earlier, and her family’s life has been shrouded in mystery and loss ever since.

Fiona’s grandfather, played by Mick Lally, tells her stories about the island of Roan Inish, which is rumored to be inhabited by selkies, magical creatures who can transform from seals to humans. According to legend, her younger brother, Jamie, was taken by a selkie as a child, and Fiona believes that finding the secret of Roan Inish may help reunite her family.

As Fiona explores the island and its mysterious connections to her ancestors, she begins to unravel the truth about the secrets that have been hidden for generations. The film blends the beauty of nature with the power of myth, and Fiona’s journey becomes a quest for self-discovery and reconciliation with her family’s past.