Synopsis

In 1936, young Irishwoman Mary Lavelle leaves Ireland to work as a governess for three girls in Spain. As political tensions rise and the Spanish Civil War approaches, Mary becomes close to the family and begins a dangerous romance with its married eldest son. Her personal awakening unfolds against a society increasingly divided by ideology, class, and violence.

Factoids & Trivia

• Talk of Angels is based on Kate O'Brien's 1936 novel Mary Lavelle, which was banned in Ireland when it was first published.

• The film was made in 1996 but was not released in the United States until October 30, 1998, after being held by Miramax.

• Location filming took place in Asturias, Spain, including the coastal town of Llanes.

• The production combines English and Spanish dialogue, reflecting its Irish and Spanish settings.

• Trevor Jones composed the score, while the film also uses William Butler Yeats' poem "Down by the Salley Gardens."

• Its limited US theatrical release earned $18,281, contributing to the film's status as a relatively little-seen period drama.