Eat/Sleep/Cheer/Repeat
Fake tan, false eyelashes and amazing physical feats performed with almost inhuman perfection are all part of a normal day for this glamorous group of Galwegians. Eat/Sleep/Cheer/Repeat, which was filmed over five years, follows the lives of a group of young cheerleaders as they work towards taking on the world and looking good while doing it.
It’s clear Team Ireland have a lot of work to do, led by an intense mentor: Hilton (who looks like he needs a strong drink and/or a hug throughout). Their fitness, their choreography, their commitment it all needs serious effort before the World Championships in Orlando, according to Hilton. And there isn’t much time left.
Eat/Sleep/Cheer/Repeat is about craft and graft. These are not entitled youth; these are young men and women trying to find a way through juggling training with part time jobs, romance, friends, studying and family responsibilities but still having to fundraise just to raise enough money to get across the Atlantic. As individuals they have their own battles too; Blathnaid is dyslexic and trying to plan her future while Rickie is torn between cheerleading and his job as a barman he can’t commit the hours so when he misses too many practices he’s dropped from the main line up.
As we approach the competition things go wrong for Hilton: injuries, conflicts, stress; COVID throws spanners into his plans relentlessly. Then sticking plaster is ripped off revealing open wound when Jayleesa announces she might not be able to compete because she decided not get vaccinated therefore can’t travel America; but still Team Ireland arrive in Orlando hopeful and terrified where lights music spectacle compete teams imposing pressure thrill us make our hearts pound third act.
What this film does brilliantly is capture that precocious period just before adulthood the moment where you’re figuring out who you are and what you’ll be in a world that feels so big and full of possibility. The team all share their experience with gender, sexuality and personal identity finding support in their camaraderie and friendship; this story is a microcosm of the problems faced by women’s sport: so many young girls who have dedicated years to their chosen discipline drop out as teenagers when they most need confidence it comes with.
In their local supervalu, bags being packed by Team Ireland with arguments over where best to put eggs, there is an interesting exchange. Hilton is quick to point out to a skeptical local that this sport is not recognised the way it should be while trying to raise funds. There are no resources for them to access. He’s explaining the sheer scope of what they do, and the level of dedication and ability required- the older man nods politely as he shuffles towards the door.
However, the implication is obvious because of this being a women’s world it gets belittled or even mocked in some cases. Eat/Sleep/Cheer/Repeat is a counter to those attitudes; it shows the immense amount of strength and power that goes into these skilled cheer routines which celebrate femininity and queerness.
Tanya Doyle is an empathetic lecturer and award winning documentarian, so every frame feels like a hug. There’s such respect and love when watching these kids that must be why Eat/Sleep/Cheer/Repeat was able to get such incredible access. Tanya leads her team into the most extended worlds of these young people, where they gain such intimate insight. DOP Eleanor Bowman (Lies We Tell) brings her insane eye once again to document moments big and small so cinematically, creating a filmic aesthetic that serves the form.
There’s not one mean girl on this squad. Eat/Sleep/Cheer/Repeat is a joyous celebration with twists, terms and back flips that will have you cheering till you’re hoarse.
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