The Red Turtle

After a shipwreck, a man finds himself alone on a remote, lush island. His attempts to escape are mysteriously thwarted by a gigantic red turtle, leading to a turning point that transforms his isolation into something far more profound. As time passes, the story unfolds into a gentle meditation on life, nature, companionship, and the rhythms that bind them all together.

With its hand-drawn artistry, evocative sound design, and emotional clarity, The Red Turtle invites audiences to slow down and immerse themselves in a poetic journey that’s as contemplative as it is visually stunning.

This film offers a rare kind of storytelling — one that speaks quietly but lingers long after the credits roll.

Duration:
This screening will run for 81 minutes.

Themes & Content Overview:
The Red Turtle explores themes of isolation, survival, the passage of time, the relationship between humanity and nature, and the quiet beauty of life’s cycles. The film relies on visual storytelling and sound to convey emotion and meaning without dialogue. The tone is meditative and reflective, with moments of wonder and introspection. There are themes of mild violence and threat.

Age Suitability:
This film is rated PG by the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO). While suitable for most ages, its contemplative pacing and wordless narrative may be appreciated more by slightly older children and adults.

Trigger Warnings & Sensory Considerations:
Audiences should be aware of the following elements:

• Scenes of isolation and survival after a shipwreck.
• Mild peril related to natural elements (e.g. storms, the sea).
• Emotional themes connected to loneliness, loss, and the passage of life.
• Occasional intense natural imagery (e.g. tsunamis, crashing waves)
• The film is dialogue-free, with a strong focus on ambient sound (waves, wind, wildlife)
• There are no strobe or flashing light effects in the film.

The Sensory Screenings programme is a new schedule of film screenings at The Dock designed to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for children and families, particularly for neurodiverse audiences or those who benefit from a more flexible cinema experience.

We provide detailed information about each film in advance — including its duration, themes, age suitability, and any content considerations — so families can plan their visit with confidence. Where relevant, we also highlight potential triggers such as flashing lights, sudden loud sounds, strobe effects, or intense scenes. Priority or reserved seating can be made available for those who need extra space or easier access, and we always welcome feedback from attendees to help us continually improve and make future screenings even more inclusive and comfortable.

Some key features of Sensory Screenings include —

• Shorter Films
  We select films with shorter running times to support a comfortable viewing experience for all.
• Subtitles 
  Subtitles for English films will be prioritised if we have access to them.
• Dimmed Lighting
  The lights in the performance space will remain gently lit rather than fully dark.
• Reduced Volume
  Sound levels are lowered to create a calmer, sensory‑friendly atmosphere.
• Reduced Capacity
  Audience numbers are limited to allow extra personal space within the venue.

The following guidelines help ensure everyone can enjoy the experience in a way that feels right for them —

• Clear Pre‑Show Announcements
  Before the film begins, we will explain the relaxed format so everyone knows what to expect.
• Flexible Movement
  Attendees are welcome to move around, vocalise, and leave or re‑enter the space whenever they need to.
• Quiet Space
  A nearby quiet space will be available for anyone who needs a break.
• Sensory Supports Welcome
  Colouring sheets, activity pages, stim toys, weighted lap pads or other tools to help attendees stay engaged and comfortable are allowed during the film. The Dock has a selection of lap pads, ear defenders, and stim toys available to attendees who would like to avail of them.