THE INVENTION | Omeleto

A young boy hatches a plan to steal cigarettes.
THE INVENTION is used with permission from Leo McGuigan. Learn more at whatsnextfilms.com.
Frankie is an 11-year-old young boy is growing up in Belfast in the 1960s, who loves listening to rock music on his record player. He's growing up in a fairly conservative environment -- his granny warns his head will blow up from listening to "devil music" on his headphones -- but he's aware of the changing currents of the world around him.
He's also becoming aware of the tension and dilemmas of the grown-ups around him, including his father, who owes money to the wrong people. He concocts a scheme to help his father, buying cigarettes for a local teen, in exchange for a seat at a local poker game. But he soon finds himself in a world where he may be in over his head.
Warm, witty and consistently compelling throughout, this coming-of-age dramedy captures a time and place through the eyes of a young boy growing up during a tumultuous time in culture. Frank treads the line between innocence and experience, but as he takes on situations that are far more mature than he can handle, he finds his relationships with his family shifting as well.
The narrative's writing is remarkable for a short film, able to juggle the stories of a tapestry of characters and weaving them together into a satisfying whole. Frank is the central node of these stories and his journey forms the bulk of the story, but branching off him are small windows into the worlds of his father, local criminals, young teenagers and other members of the community.
All of these stories are captured with a bright, clear eye for naturalism that allows us to focus on the people and situations that make up Frankie's world. They also stylistically share dialogue that has a finely-honed ear for character and lightly quirky ironies. And all of them are observed by Frankie, who shows an ability to observe, understand what motivates people and uses these situations to his benefit, especially as he weaves his strategy to help his father.
Young actor Luke Walford plays Frankie with a blend of seriousness and sweetness that oscillates between youth and adolescence. He also has an innate intelligence and watchfulness that makes it believable he can dream up strategies and schemes to help his father. There is some fun and humor in observing how Frankie enters more grown-up worlds, taking advantage of being unseen or underestimated as a kid to outfox much older people. But the film gently but demonstrates the cost of growing up a little too fast, as Frankie starts to see his father differently.
THE INVENTION ends with Frankie showing a startling maturity that is both humorous and perhaps a little sad, demonstrating the wisdom and restraint that his father perhaps should have had. It also achieves the poignant, wistful yet resolute tone that often is the hallmark of the best coming-of-age stories. Part of leaving childhood is realizing the human fallibility of the trusted grown-ups around us, and perhaps also realizing that the world is not as simple as we once thought. Like many, Frankie comes to accept this with a degree of resignation -- but he also gains hard-won confidence in his abilities and resilience in exchange.

[@mairivanschoor2434]

The acting in these is so immaculate. It's so cool to see such young kids getting a start in their careers.

[@acocainedealer2113]

Wish my parents let me become one

[@apostolia2124]

natural talents....actors and director.....💖

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

@@apostolia2124 Thank you.

[@PurrkourCat]

@@acocainedealer2113 Awwww why? D:

[@HowluxDBS]

@Dáithí Mullins Lol same

[@Del-Canada]

The ending hit hard. "For my dad." I lost my dad recently and still not over it.

[@whoathatsanicememe3093]

I'm sorry to hear that. I lost my dad in 96. Still difficult today....

[@Del-Canada]

@@whoathatsanicememe3093 It gets easier but it never gets easy. Thank you and my condolences as well.

[@jennifergannuscio6086]

SWEETEST OF HUGS TO YOU !❤️🙏

[@Del-Canada]

@@jennifergannuscio6086 Thank you, Jennifer.

[@jennifergannuscio6086]

@@Del-Canada just because you don’t see him doesn’t mean he’s not with you hon!!!😘

[@VPLO1]

This is one of the finest short films I've ever seen. I am 66, and I started going to the Chicago international film festival when I was 13! Truly a great film!

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you so much.

[@dddila]

Wow congrats man

[@MrCaipiroshka]

So what`s your favourite of all time?

[@VPLO1]

@@MrCaipiroshka You also made me think of a French film the red balloon.

[@jungliatpil9124]

@@VPLO1 That was excellent, the old streets of Paris thanks for that recommendation.

[@rgarlinyc]

Wonderful story... superbly produced, written, directed, filmed, scored and acted! Few folks as heartwarming as the Irish.💖 Thank you!👏🏻👏🏻

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you so much.

[@TheLoxxxton]

Wonderfully writen and acted. Just brilliant

[@bs3202]

A wonderful story is yours and we can't wait to see the ending again♥️

[@preeta8275]

If you are talking about content, addiction is prevalent in so many societies. I’m sure there are many Frankies all around the world from different cultures who are watching out for their parents. Even more so during Covid times. Yes it was a brilliant short.

[@BiLLz66614]

Aww that kid was awesome. He got through to that guy. And softened him up. Was great to see. Love a little heart warming film like this

[@ainokea4u]

Do you think that actually happens in real life...just curious

[@kimberlysevastyanenko3798]

@@ainokea4u No. It's highly unlikely that a kid would do what he did in the first place, but if that did happen I doubt a collector would be so lenient.

[@MartinFeigenwinter]

love it. Beautiful story. It shows very nicely that things can be changed even when it went wrong in the beginning.it’s Never to late changing something … as Long as someone wants to change.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

We appreciate all your support.

[@juliaconnell]

That was all kinds of goodness - awesome acting by "francis" in particular - awesome plot, perfectly crafted - loved every bit of this

[@Gen-X_Dirtbag]

Frankie is such a bada$$, i love him!

[@jeremytravis360]

I love these sort of films. I love Grans description about his head blowing off if he listens to devil music.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you for watching - check out our channel.

[@milasophiamelody]

What a sweet and cool badass kid 💯😎 Loved everything about this movie.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thanks

[@Maria-sg4zy]

Luke Walford, this young man can act. He played in the Omeleto " Safe Haven" had me in tears. I hope great things for his future.

[@ermo5623]

That was brilliant! Genuinely made me smile😃 that kid’s a great actor & so cute! Lovely story, well told through the writing, directing, lighting, and acting! Loved it!! ❤️

[@Anush_Sivakumar]

Early to an original. This one was amazing as all. Well done to whoever the creators are.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you.

[@Anush_Sivakumar]

​@@CausewayPicturesNI Hey, I started seeing the short films on your channel. My favourite is The Invention and Time and again. Really incredible the work you guys put into making these films. Earned a new subscriber 👍👍👏👏 Keep going!

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

@@Anush_Sivakumar Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@Albanez39]

I love how lighthearted this film was. It's like everybody is the best version of themselves.

[@preeta8275]

This film proves there can be brilliance in tiny things too. We are used to feature length films of this character. We have seen this play out in so many movies. Yet this short takes out all the bells and whistles, all the subplots and even in just its skeletal form delivers excellence. I am a big fan of Irish films - old and new. this features holds its place right amongst them. bravo.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you.

[@vib_di]

That boy is super smart.

[@demijour1234]

That was a Royal Flush! Well Acted by Luke Walford who played Frankie. I love the father and son bond relationship. The ending was a nice touch. When it showed a picture of the real Frankie and the film lovingly dedicated to his Dad. 💖🎬

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you.

[@RohitKumar-gj9mh]

The boy nailed it. May be he has earned the respect by saving his father.

[@xe6h]

omega chad child actor, best child actor I have seen and his smug walk is so badass. 10/10 film

[@leadbutterfliesproject7342]

So why aren’t we seeing this in cinemas instead of remakes and redos which create boredom and only exist to suck money out of your pocket. This is incredible

[@jayjayjay4788]

One of the loveliest of Omeleto's films, staring Irish people (loveliest to my heart). Salaam to you all from Arabia.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you.

[@anthonyb7571]

The boy saved his pops... So deep.

[@todalio9238]

When I was 15, I wanted to buy cigarettes and had no "dealer" if to say. I went to a chinese convenience store. Came to the counter with a 6-pack and asked for cigs. Lady asked me : "Are you 18?" "Yes I am" "Alright"

[@SuperCHERISHED]

The child actor was so authentic!

[@saxmusicmail]

The kid, reminds me so much of my late little brother when he was that age. Same never give up attitude.

[@thezuguprojectANTHONYALBANESE]

The boy who played Frankie has a bright future ahead, a wonderful actor! Well thought out, well produced with excellent acting.......Exceptional!

[@monro2159]

Oh, this was great fun and a very engaging, warm story with top-notch direction. The cast was great, but a special mention to Luke Walford who absolutely nailed it. Such a truthful mature performance.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you.

[@SpiritualBabe101]

I love this! Thank you 👌 I fell in love with the little boy.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you. He's a great actor called Luke Walford.

[@SpiritualBabe101]

@@CausewayPicturesNI thank you!

[@JCC503]

One of the best shorts I've ever seen. Wonderful in every respect. Serious respect for all involved.

[@Justin-if6um]

This has been one of my favorite short films. Its a shame it only has 45,000 views

[@LloydEdgar]

Great to see another Northern Irish short film represented on a great platform like Omeleto!

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thanks.

[@Toxii1223]

@@scpstudio1811 im from Belfast and i i disagree with u there

[@thefolkloreofshapeshifting3283]

the way they look at each other when Charlie leaves the store made shed a tear.

[@afrinakhanam1265]

These kids are unbelievable! What a superb performance! Bravo and Salute! Adults can't give this type of performance these days!

[@caralvarezhayes6657]

-Well, that's a crap +Crap''s a bad word, you know?...huh, bad patenting Hahaha

[@davewalker3561]

Outstanding, really enjoyed it. The story, the characters, right up until Frankie clearly didn’t know where to set a tone arm.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you for watching - check out our channel.

[@lizziem]

Beautiful film and made all the more special that it was a tribute to the writer and producer's Dad who is the real Frankie. Bravo

[@OBVUSVDFn]

Dude that first song slaps

[@carlopicanco2555]

The situation the kid was in was chilling, but the fact it happened in real life made it even worse!

[@MisterG2323]

Kid's a natural. Great short all the way around. Omeleto knows how to pick them.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thanks

[@ranjanivaradpande381]

such a talented and SWEET child !! beautifully done no unnecessary things just perfect better than full length movies !! !...

[@d.l.d.l.8140]

These shorts deserve a much larger platform. Some of the most important work I’ve seen.

[@BiLLz66614]

Or I’ll call the polerce.

[@dthomas4566]

Could have watched a whole movie about this kid, nice and authentic actor

[@roscluaran]

That was such a brilliant film! Luke Walford is a brilliant actor.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you

[@juliecorpus8308]

Great short! Love that kid's acting ----solid gold story, too

[@lucyladyandhusband]

Hi @Causeway Pictures Ltd! I'm the deaf person you answered before a few minutes ago. The Thread was deleted by anyone? I wanted to say I enjoyed the short very much. I L ❤️ VE Irish movies pretty much btw. Kudos 👌 from Lucy with L 💋 VE

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Glad you liked it.

[@ryanoliver9089]

Are you 16 he looked about 20 🤣

[@docfmb1]

one of the best, that kid can act. thanks for a great show

[@aassaasslamas4932]

What a great kid.

[@danielcooke9974]

Surprised to see them playing holdem, did not think that was noticed any where aside from Vegas at this time

[@nedwulin4646]

Best Omeleto video ever! The kid's an amazing actor. Or else, this script just fit him so well...

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you.

[@susanrosegale6646]

Bravo!!! Great short, so well done end to end; character impressions, setting, writing, acting and directing. Excellent !!!

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you.

[@amiralozse1781]

amazing and touching story, honest to the core, beautifully played and everything! Im blown away! much better than many of the big productions imho

[@Austincjh06666]

Plot twist: We hear a boom when he puts the record player headphones on

[@mikewogden]

wow, I absolutely loved this film! the acting and storytelling were phenomenal

[@asifiweameliabanda]

This is an amazing story. Thank you for sharing.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you for watching - check out our channel.

[@Q-BOT]

This was the best video I've seen on this channel. Nothing tops it. Well done!

[@atharvparodkar1468]

CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR

[@Mirasolala]

This was just amazing! Fully exciting until end and no violence shown. Wonderful message of love.

[@mikeellis9720]

The best one so far from y'all. And I watch a lot.

[@lisadurden2399]

Wonderful in every way - acting, sets, dialogue, shots...

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you.

[@alydar21]

The kid will be the Don of the whole neighborhood soon.

[@bigsmellyballs]

this is one of the best omeleto films ive ever seen

[@AGDinCA]

This was one of favorites!

[@griffinsalerno]

Beautiful, real great story. One of my favorites.

[@Godisfirst21]

You're going places kid. I loved his acting. I'm very sure he'll be in many movies.

[@jamesmc3723]

Great film 👌...... Could easily be a feature with an extended storyline. Nice work.

[@noufohere1663]

Wow, what an acting by these youngsters

[@3LJ3F3]

Subtext! Great film...

[@sondraoppedisano9440]

Thank You Allen for all the hard work! We get the sweet nectar from it as watchers!👍✨🎉💜

[@jacklowther4912]

Wow! Absolutely wonderful film. The subtext. Lol. I cant express more how amazing this is.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you for watching - check out our channel.

[@haremkawa6958]

Wow, the dialogue is so beautiful, and Frank is amazing. Imagine how he would be grown up, such a personal charisma. This was one of my favourites.

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you for watching - check out our channel.

[@lifewithjae1546]

That one boy is in another video he’s so talented

[@nicholasvanorton7840]

Frankie kinda looks like a young John Travolta 0:35 lol how many can relate?

[@avinath1]

They should make a netflix series on this, imagine a guy whos goated at poker and wins all the time. That’d be awesome

[@earlysportan4709]

YES! thats what I am thinking the story is so good

[@nam3ey]

Nah it would be better if a guy sucked ass at poker

[@jenniferrobuccio3999]

This boy (lad for you folks across the puddle) is amazing! I hope he sticks with acting. My goodness. What talent!

[@piano-alinapisleaga9212]

The kids played very good! Very good film!

[@kandreasworld4374]

This was a phenomenal short film!

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you

[@Rosalind111]

Brilliant performances! Made my day

[@samdilworth1989]

Great Short 👍. One of the best I've seen in a while.

[@danchris2293]

what a dope little dude

[@attoniyayangfo4424]

It really touched my heart lad

[@mchoffner8497]

Beautifully done.

[@hueycotton]

it's hard being a kid who has to grow up too fast

[@eaglegp2541]

Gotta love a shot that has first, middle and last .

[@breezy6445]

anyone else click this bc they recognized the kid from childer?

[@nadel-fu4wz]

Just finished the film. I'm crying like a baby

[@ThatRainbowDude]

This short film reminds me of a great saying; A homeless man and successful business man we’re both asked the same question, “how did you get where you are now” The homeless man replied “because my dad was an alcoholic…” The successful business replied “…because my dad was an alcoholic” The last line of the boy saying how he doesn’t play poker ‘anymore’ after only one experience of it, knowing what it brought his dad, is the embodiment of this saying. Great short film!

[@JessicaLopez-ib9wf]

Thank God for subtitles I have a hard time understanding their accents

[@TERBN]

Wow each film is getting better whats the first song called btw? Edit:damn the ending hit hard

[@namelessanonymous3003]

This is a very nice short film.

[@MAILLADY2010]

My Dad taught me Blackjack or 21. Split the aces and double down. I miss you Dad, RIP, HOORAH ❤

[@stefaniasmanio5857]

Where does this absolutely fabulous guy come from!? He is amazing… superb. 😳👌 brilliant everything…

[@nrroz30]

Young lad is absolutely legend ✌️

[@De-bi6zu]

i love the way he walks

[@pygiana16]

This ...is Frankie. Hello! Brilliant!

[@mythosstorm6189]

Excellent little story.

[@VR-tj9ut]

Frankie is such an incredible actor.

[@seattlered3018]

Thank you 🤗 I absolutely loved this. Great story ❤️

[@CausewayPicturesNI]

Thank you for watching