When Vertigo Releasing and Wildcard unveiled the official poster and full trailer for SAIPAN, they weren’t just promoting another sports movie—they were reigniting one of football’s most explosive controversies. This isn’t a film about triumph on the pitch or underdog victories; it’s a raw examination of ego, standards, and the devastating collision between two men whose mutual contempt became bigger than the beautiful game itself.
At the heart of SAIPAN lies the infamous 2002 FIFA World Cup confrontation that shook Irish football to its core. Roy Keane, the Republic of Ireland’s legendary captain portrayed by BAFTA-nominated Éanna Hardwicke, and national team manager Mick McCarthy, brought to life by two-time Academy Award nominee Steve Coogan, found themselves locked in a battle that transcended tactical disagreements and crossed into deeply personal territory. What began as preparation for Ireland’s World Cup campaign in Japan and South Korea spiraled into what the film bills as one of the most fractious falling-outs in sporting history, a moment that gripped not just a nation but the entire sporting world.
Award-winning filmmakers Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, known for their work on GOOD VIBRATIONS and ORDINARY LOVE, have taken on the challenge of bringing this incendiary story to the screen. Working from an original script by Paul Fraser, whose credits include HEARTLANDS and A ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS, they’ve crafted what promises to be the definitive account of a feud that was ostensibly about professional standards but revealed itself to be something far more visceral. This was two strong personalities whose rivalry became so consuming that it ultimately surpassed their shared love of football, leaving careers damaged and a nation divided in its loyalties.
The supporting cast amplifies the drama with Alice Lowe from SIGHTSEERS, Jamie Beamish of DERRY GIRLS fame, Alex Murphy known for THE YOUNG OFFENDERS, Harriet Cains from BRIDGERTON, and Peter McDonald who appeared in THE BATMAN. Their presence suggests a film that understands this wasn’t just about two men in a room—it was about the ripple effects of conflict, the teammates caught in the crossfire, and the wider Irish community watching their World Cup dreams threatened by internal combustion. SAIPAN promises to be thrilling not because of what happened on the football field, but because of the human drama that nearly derailed everything before a single match was played.
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.
For more than two decades, Domhnall Gleeson has carved out one of the most diverse and compelling careers in contemporary cinema.
Watch Domhnall break down his career in his latest @esquire interview!
Link in bio ❤️
Adapted from Louise Kennedy`s bestselling novel, TRESPASSES stars Gillian Anderson as executive producer and cast member.
Kennedy praises the "ear-perfect, sexy script" and "gorgeously melancholic aesthetic vision" that brings her Women`s Prize-shortlisted novel to life.
Premieres Sunday 9pm on Channel 4, more at irishfilmtv.com.
THE IRIS AFFAIR is a high-stakes chase thriller that turns Italy into a deadly playground where genius meets danger.
Created by LUTHER mastermind Neil Cross, this Sky Original delivers cinematic tension where trust is fatal and every move could be your last. Two minds. One secret. No escape.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
