Pixie (film) is a 2020 British crime comedy film directed by Barnaby Thompson and written by Preston Thompson. The film stars Olivia Cooke, Ben Hardy, Daryl McCormack, Colm Meaney, Dylan Moran, and Alec Baldwin. It is set in the Irish countryside and follows the titular character, Pixie, as she gets entangled in a dangerous criminal underworld after a botched heist.
Plot
The story revolves around Pixie O'Brien (Olivia Cooke), a sharp and ambitious young woman seeking to escape her small-town life in rural Ireland. After planning a revenge scheme for her mother's death, which involves a drug deal orchestrated by her gangster stepfather, Pixie finds herself unexpectedly on the run with two hapless young men, Frank (Ben Hardy) and Harland (Daryl McCormack). They have inadvertently stolen a large quantity of drugs belonging to a powerful syndicate of gangsters and murderous priests. As they attempt to sell the drugs and flee the country, they are pursued across the scenic but dangerous Irish landscape, encountering a host of eccentric and deadly characters. Pixie, quick-witted and manipulative, navigates the escalating chaos, always looking for an opportunity to achieve her own ends.
Cast
- Olivia Cooke as Pixie O'Brien
- Ben Hardy as Frank McCullen
- Daryl McCormack as Harland Fitzpatrick
- Colm Meaney as Dermot O'Brien
- Dylan Moran as Father McGrath
- Alec Baldwin as Father Hector McGrath
- Sebastian de Souza as Gareth
- Chris Walley as Daniel
- Pat Shortt as Sean
- Ned Dennehy as Fergus
Production
Pixie was filmed in Northern Ireland, with principal photography taking place in late 2019 across various locations, including Belfast and County Antrim. The film was directed by Barnaby Thompson, known for his work as a producer on films like
Wayne's World and
An Ideal Husband, and as a director of the
St Trinian's films. The screenplay was written by his son, Preston Thompson. The production aimed to create a stylish and darkly comedic tone, blending elements of a crime thriller, road movie, and black comedy, drawing comparisons to Guy Ritchie's early works.
Release
The film had its premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh in Ireland in July 2020. It was subsequently released in cinemas in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2020. Following its theatrical run, it was released on video-on-demand and in limited theatrical engagements in other territories, including the United States.
Reception
Pixie received a generally mixed to positive reception from critics. Many reviews highlighted Olivia Cooke's charismatic performance as the title character, praising her portrayal of Pixie's intelligence and resourcefulness. The film's dark humor, stylish visuals, and the performances of the supporting cast, particularly Alec Baldwin and Dylan Moran as the villainous priests, were also frequently commended. Some critics found the plot to be somewhat familiar or derivative of other crime caper films, but most acknowledged its entertaining quality, fast pace, and energetic execution. Review aggregator websites reported a solid approval rating for the film among critics.