Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke’s three-decade creative partnership has produced some of cinema’s most intimate and conversational masterpieces, from the Before trilogy’s meandering philosophical exchanges to BOYHOOD‘s revolutionary time-spanning narrative. Their latest collaboration, BLUE MOON, marks another triumph in their storied relationship, this time transporting audiences to the smoky confines of Sardi’s bar on the evening of March 31, 1943, for what may be their most theatrically confined yet emotionally expansive work to date.
The film centers on legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart, played by Hawke in a bald cap that transforms him into the tortured wordsmith, as he grapples with professional betrayal and personal demons during the afterparty for OKLAHOMA!, the groundbreaking musical that marked his former collaborator Richard Rodgers’ first venture without him. “We write together for a quarter of a century and the first show he writes with someone else is gonna be the biggest hit he ever had,” Hart laments to Bobby Cannavale’s sympathetic barman. “Am I bitter? Yes!” This opening salvo, delivered against a sprightly, waltzing score, sets the tone for an evening of loaded conversations and painful revelations.
Andrew Scott, fresh from his acclaimed turn in ALL OF US STRANGERS and his scene-stealing work in FLEABAG, brings his trademark intensity to Richard Rodgers, the composer navigating success tinged with guilt over abandoning his longtime creative partner. Scott’s recent career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable, transforming from a respected Irish character actor into one of cinema’s most compelling leading men. His work in Lenny Abrahamson’s ROOM established him as a dramatic force, while his portrayal of Moriarty in SHERLOCK showcased his ability to be both charming and menacing. His recent starring role in ALL OF US STRANGERS, where he played a man reconnecting with his deceased parents, demonstrated his capacity for vulnerability and emotional complexity, qualities that serve him well in BLUE MOON’s intimate chamber piece setting.
The film’s Irish production, shot last summer in Dublin through Wild Atlantic Pictures, benefits from Scott’s natural presence on home soil, while the international cast including Margaret Qualley as rising starlet Elizabeth Weiland, Simon Delaney as Oscar Hammerstein II, and Cillian Sullivan as a young Stephen Sondheim creates a rich ensemble perfect for Linklater’s dialogue-driven approach. The director’s signature style of rapid-fire, intellectually charged conversations finds perfect material in the world of Broadway’s golden age, where wit was currency and every exchange carried the weight of artistic legacy.
Scott’s Berlin International Film Festival win for Best Supporting Actor validates what discerning audiences have long recognized about his abilities. His recent choices reflect an actor unafraid to tackle complex, emotionally demanding roles, whether playing the vulnerable gay man in ALL OF US STRANGERS or the morally ambiguous Hot Priest in FLEABAG. This trajectory culminates beautifully in BLUE MOON, where his Rodgers must balance professional ambition with personal loyalty, success with friendship.
Already hailed as a triumph at Berlin, with Hawke’s performance being touted as one of his finest, BLUE MOON represents the perfect marriage of Linklater’s conversational genius and the kind of intimate, character-driven storytelling that has defined his partnership with Hawke. The film arrives in American theaters on October 24th, with Irish audiences getting their chance on November 14th, while UK viewers await further release details. For Scott, it marks another milestone in a career that continues to evolve from character actor to leading man, proving that sometimes the most powerful performances come not from action or spectacle, but from the simple act of two people talking in a room about everything that matters.
Gothic drama LIES WE TELL is now on Netflix.
With powerful performances by Agnes O`Casey and David Wilmot, the Irish drama takes Sheridan Le Fanu`s classic novel UNCLE SILAS and transforms it into something urgent and vital for our moment.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
When Colin Farrell and Jessie Buckley finally sat down together, they were strangers—but within moments, the conversation became profound.
Both Irish actors are carrying the weight of devastating roles this year: Farrell as a gambling addict spiraling in Macau in BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER, Buckley as Agnes Shakespeare grieving her son in HAMNET.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
From FAIR CITY to KNIVES OUT! Daryl McCormack shines in the new #netflix film WAKE UP DEAD MAN.
McCormack just wrapped Netflix`s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE opposite Jack Lowden, Emma Corrin, and Olivia Colman. Talk about range: trading viral grift for Jane Austen elegance. Same actor, different century, wildly different moral compass.
More Daryl at irishfilmtv.com.
Eve Hewson brings ghosts to life in Noah Baumbach`s JAY KELLY.
From her breakout in THIS MUST BE THE PLACE to BAD SISTERS and beyond, she`s now haunting George Clooney as Daphne—a face from the past that forces a movie star to confront who he became while chasing fame.
More Eve at irishfilmtv.com.
When the past catches up with you in Amsterdam 🌊
Ciarán Hinds and Lesley Manville star in MIDWINTER BREAK—a retired couple`s winter getaway becomes a reckoning with memories they`ve tried to outrun for decades, in theatres Feb 20.
New trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
James Nesbitt is back in Harlan Coben`s twisted universe. 🔍
RUN AWAY drops January 1st on #Netflix — and this one`s personal.
When Simon (Nesbitt) finally finds his missing daughter strung out in a city park, it`s supposed to be a second chance. Instead, it`s the beginning of a nightmare.
New trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
Are you loving STEVE on #Netflix?
Legendary war photographer Sir Don McCullin spent days on set capturing behind-the-scenes magic from this raw Netflix drama starring Cillian Murphy about a head teacher fighting to save his reform school while battling his own demons.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🏆 RIVALS just scooped the International Emmy for Best Drama Series!
The Disney+ hit starring Irish talents Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit brought home the gold for this deliciously scandalous 1980s romp through the world of wealthy media types.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
From THE COMMITMENTS to THE TUDORS to KIN, @mariadoylekennedy has built a career that defies categories.
In a brand new interview with The Irish Examiner, Maria opens up about the artists and art that shaped her creative journey—from her Dublin roots to international screens and stages.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 From Shakespeare to a Beatle: Paul Mescal is doing the impossible!
Oscar-nominated Irish actor Paul Mescal is taking on TWO iconic roles that prove he`s one of the most fearless actors working today.
Watch Paul`s latest interview at irishfilmtv.com.
Kerry Condon`s brief but powerful performance in TRAIN DREAMS is pitch perfect.
She inhabits her character with quiet competence, moving through a male-dominated world with both caution and grace.
Watch now on @netflix!
🎬 HAMNET stars to receive Vanguard Award at the Palm Springs International Film Awards!
A stunning meditation on love`s fragility and art`s power to transform suffering into transcendence. This is Irish talent at its absolute finest on the world stage.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Netflix just quietly dropped a crime thriller you`ve been sleeping on, and Brendan Gleeson`s performance alone makes it mandatory viewing.
MR MERCEDES, Stephen King`s dark detective series that somehow flew under the radar, is finally streaming – and it`s everything fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers have been craving.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Andrew Scott is about to steal another movie and we`re absolutely here for it! 🔍
The trailer for WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY has dropped, and our beloved Irish actor is joining Daniel Craig`s Benoit Blanc for what looks like the most deliciously twisted instalment yet.
Scott plays bestselling author Lee Ross, one of several suspects in a seemingly impossible murder that rocks a small town`s religious community.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
From GLADIATOR II`s arena to the quiet forests of Maine collecting folk songs on wax cylinders—Paul Mescal`s latest role in THE HISTORY OF SOUND might be his most vulnerable yet.
Now on @amazonprime, the film follows Lionel, a shy musician from a Kentucky farm in the 1910s, who meets David White (Josh O`Connor) at the New England Conservatory.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
