Five FrightFest Facts with Tom Kerrisk of ‘An Taibhse’

This year at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, audiences have had the pleasure of experiencing something truly unique with the International Premiere of An Taibhse (The Ghost), directed by John Farrelly, which is the first-ever Irish language horror feature film.

Starring Tom Kerrisk as Éamon, this atmospheric tale takes viewers back to the eerie post-famine era in Ireland, where a father and daughter’s peaceful caretaker role at a remote mansion turns into a supernatural nightmare.

Tom Kerrisk is no stranger to the world of horror, having previously starred in John Farrelly’s debut feature The Sleep Experiment. An accomplished actor and musician, Kerrisk has built a career that spans both stage and screen, with a particular focus on projects that challenge the boundaries of genre storytelling. Born and raised in County Clare, Ireland, Kerrisk has always had a passion for performance, whether it be acting in films, fronting his rock band The Spikes, or composing music for film soundtracks. His diverse talents and deep connection to Irish culture have made him a perfect fit for An Taibhse, a film that marries historical drama with psychological horror.

In this exclusive interview, Kerrisk shares insights into the making of An Taibhse, his journey into acting, and his deep connection with the horror genre.

Tom Kerrisk, actor

1. Tell us about your film

John Farrelly: An Taibhse is a haunting tale about the lives of Eamon and Maire, a father and daughter who are sent to work alone as caretakers of a large English Manor House during the winter months after the famine in Ireland, in the late 1850s. The film explores themes of inner fears, isolation, supernatural apparitions, caustic family relations, alcoholism, and deranged sexual depravity. It’s horror at its most primal. The setting, a desolate mansion in the aftermath of such a tragic period in Irish history, amplifies the sense of dread and unease. The film delves into the human psyche, examining how past traumas and dark secrets can manifest in terrifying ways. It’s a story that’s deeply rooted in Irish history but resonates on a universal level.

2. How did you get into making movies?

John Farrelly: Ever since I was a kid, I knew I would make films and act. From school plays to Speech & Drama competitions, I was always onstage and creating characters. I played in bands, creating alter egos there too. I produced home movies and music videos, went to LA during pilot season trying to get roles—always involved in creating characters, writing short films, and playing any role I was cast in. And then I directed my first feature, The Sleep Experiment, and the rest is history. Now, here we are making history again with An Taibhse, the first-ever Irish language horror feature film premiering at FrightFest in London! It’s been a journey of constant creation and learning, and it’s thrilling to bring something new and culturally significant to the horror genre.

3. What film would you love to see screened at FrightFest and why?

John Farrelly: The Blob (1958). Why? Because as a very young child, I happened to walk into the sitting room feeling sick one night where my parents were watching The Blob, and the scene where The Blob eats someone from the toilet was on. Even though I was in the room for only about 30 seconds, this scene haunted me until I was a teenager. Every time I would open the toilet lid, I would jump back in case The Blob would come out and take me! Watching it again would heal that wound, I’m sure. There’s something about those childhood fears that never quite leave you, and The Blob is a perfect example of how horror can make a lasting impact.

4. If you could create your own award to give at FrightFest, what would it be and why?

John Farrelly: I would create an award for The Scariest Scene. Maybe that’s an award already, but I think there are scenes that stick with us and affect our subconscious in a way that never fully leaves us unless we have hypnotherapy or some form of regression. We always refer to those scenes when we are talking about a film—they become part of our collective memory of fear. An award for Scariest Scene would be cool because it acknowledges the moments that leave a lasting impression, the ones that define a film in the minds of the audience.

5. If your life were made into a horror film, what would it be called and who would play the starring role?

John Farrelly: Wow, that’s a deep question! Maybe my life has been quite horrific already! Okay, it would be called The Pit, and Willem Dafoe would play the lead. He’s such an iconic actor and mutable to no end. The title reflects the struggles and dark places we sometimes find ourselves in, and Dafoe has the intensity and depth to portray that kind of internal horror.

An Taibhse had its International Premiere at FrightFest on Friday, 23 August, at 10:15 AM. With its rich cultural context, atmospheric horror, and exploration of deep-seated fears, this film is not just a milestone in Irish cinema but a must-see for all spooky horror fans.You can read the full review here: lovehorror.co.uk/horror-reviews/87069/an-taibhse-the-ghost-2024-review/

Don’t miss the chance to witness this haunting tale on the big screen!

An Taibhse trailer