FOUR MOTHERS in theatres Apr 4

Darren Thornton, a filmmaker from Drogheda, is returning to the big screen this April with FOUR MOTHERS, a new Irish comedy opening in cinemas on April 4. Co-written with his brother Colin, the film has already garnered awards at major international film festivals and will screen locally at Omniplex Drogheda and other cinemas nationwide.

The film follows Thornton’s critically acclaimed A DATE FOR MAD MARY, which won Best Film at the IFTA Awards. FOUR MOTHERS tells the story of Edward, a novelist on the brink of fame in the literary world who simultaneously finds himself living at home full time with his elderly mother as she recovers from a stroke that has left her wheelchair bound and unable to speak.

Edward is surrounded by a group of gay friends in similar circumstances, whose closest social outlet is commiserating about their unfulfilled lives with each other in the back pew of the church where they routinely take their mothers to mass.

Edward’s cohort of friends, played by Gearóid Farrelly, Gordon Hickey, and Rory O’Neill (aka Panti Bliss, Ireland’s premiere drag superstar and one of the faces of the country’s successful 2015 marriage equality campaign), upend his weekend by leaving their mothers on his doorstep so they can attend Maspalomas Pride, knowing he will feel obligated to help.

The middle-aged writer is left to care for both his mother (played by LOST alum Fionnula Flanagan) and his friends’ mothers, a group of thoroughly uncompromising matriarchs. The film was directed by Darren Thornton, who also co-wrote it with his brother Colin, who is gay himself.

Speaking about the unique relationship between mothers and their gay sons, Colin noted that the experience of coming out and the healing that follows often creates a bond that differs from the relationship between mothers and their straight sons.

FOUR MOTHERS will be in cinemas across the UK and Ireland starting April 4.

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March 31, 2025

Irish Film

Four Mothers

Fassbender names HUNGER his best work

Fassbender cites HUNGER as best work

Michael Fassbender’s cinematic journey is a testament to artistic resilience and transformative performances. While his recent filmography includes both critical disappointments like the video game adaptation ASSASSIN’S CREED and the thriller THE SNOWMAN, Fassbender continues to captivate audiences with his nuanced approach to acting. His latest film, BLACK BAG, directed by Steven Soderbergh, represents a triumphant return to form, garnering a remarkable 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and earning praise from critics like ScreenRant’s Mae Abdulbaki, who awarded the film an impressive 8 out of 10 stars.

Yet the roots of Fassbender’s remarkable career can be traced back to a pivotal moment in 2008 with HUNGER, a film that fundamentally altered his trajectory. Directed by Steve McQueen, the movie saw Fassbender portraying Bobby Sands, an Irish republican leading a prison hunger strike. This role was more than just a performance; it was a transformative experience that Fassbender himself describes as a career-defining turning point. In his own words, it was “probably my favorite film that I’ve done,” a sentiment that speaks to the profound impact of the project.

Working closely with McQueen and co-star Liam Cunningham, Fassbender immersed himself in the role with an intensity that would become his trademark. The actors lived together, meticulously rehearsing scenes, consuming porridge, and diving deep into the emotional landscape of their characters. This dedication paid off, with HUNGER not only launching Fassbender’s career but also earning McQueen a BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer.

Before HUNGER, Fassbender was largely confined to supporting roles, a promising talent waiting for his breakthrough. The film changed everything, proving his capacity for dramatic depth and positioning him as a serious actor capable of carrying complex, challenging narratives. From this point forward, Fassbender’s career trajectory shifted dramatically, transforming him from a promising character actor to a genuine A-list performer who could command both critical acclaim and audience attention.

His recent work, including the well-received BLACK BAG, demonstrates that the promise shown in HUNGER was no mere coincidence. Fassbender continues to choose roles that challenge, provoke, and showcase his remarkable range, solidifying his reputation as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.

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March 27, 2025

Irish Film

Michael Fassbender

Reynor to star in THE MUMMY

Reynor in THE MUMMY

Horror fans, prepare for a spine-chilling resurrection! Director Lee Cronin, fresh off the success of EVIL DEAD RISE, is set to breathe new life into the mummy genre with an unexpected reimagining of THE MUMMY. Jack Reynor, known for his memorable performances in THE PERFECT COUPLE and MIDSOMMAR, will lead the cast in this soon-to-be-unleashed supernatural thriller.

Cronin promises something truly unique, declaring that this iteration will be “unlike any Mummy movie you ever laid eyeballs on before.” The film represents a collaboration between horror powerhouses Atomic Monster and Blumhouse Productions, with New Line Cinema backing the project. Set to begin production in Ireland and Spain, the movie is scheduled to crawl into theaters on April 17, 2026.

While plot details remain carefully guarded, initial information suggests Reynor will portray a husband and father confronting supernaturally sinister forces. The project distinctly separates itself from Universal’s classic horror properties, offering a fresh and potentially more grounded approach to the ancient undead narrative.

The creative team behind the film is equally exciting. James Wan will produce alongside Jason Blum and John Keville, with Cronin’s own Doppelgängers production banner joining the effort. This collaboration signals a potentially innovative take on a genre that has seen numerous iterations over the decades.

Interestingly, this project arrives amid a broader trend of reimagining classic horror properties. Blumhouse has already successfully reinvented THE INVISIBLE MAN, and Atomic Monster is developing a modernized CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON. Cronin’s THE MUMMY appears poised to continue this tradition of breathing contemporary terror into timeless mythological concepts.

As anticipation builds, horror enthusiasts can mark their calendars for what promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the mummy genre. With Cronin’s track record and the combined creative forces of Atomic Monster and Blumhouse, this THE MUMMY looks set to offer something both familiar and startlingly original.

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March 25, 2025

Irish Film

Jack Reynor

DERRY GIRLS Coughlan in MAGIC FARAWAY TREE

Coughlan in THE FARAWAY TREE

In a stunning career pivot that showcases her versatility, 2025 IFTA nominee Nicola Coughlan has transitioned from Regency romance to childhood fantasy with her latest role in the eagerly anticipated adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved classic.

The Irish actress, who captivated audiences as Penelope Featherington/Lady Whistledown in BRIDGERTON and charmed viewers as Clare Devlin in DERRY GIRLS, now steps into the whimsical role of Silky the fairy in THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE. Coughlan recently treated fans to an exclusive first look at the film on her Instagram, posting a teasing image of herself hiding behind tree branches, igniting excitement among her growing fanbase.

Director Ben Gregor has been effusive in his praise, revealing that while Nonso Anozie’s Moonface believes himself to be the leader of the tree’s inhabitants, “it’s really Silky who runs it.” Gregor didn’t hold back his admiration, describing Coughlan as “absolutely amazing” and “an unbelievably perfect Silky,” noting her passion for the project. The film boasts an impressive ensemble including Andrew Garfield (WE LIVE IN TIME) and Claire Foy (THE CROWN) as Tim and Polly Thompson, parents forced to relocate their children to the remote English countryside where they discover a magical tree with extraordinary occupants. The stellar cast is rounded out by Jessica Gunning (BABY REINDEER), Rebecca Ferguson (DUNE) as Dame Snap, Dustin Demri-Burns as the Saucepan Man, and Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot, with newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Phoenix Laroche, and Billie Gadsdon playing the Thompson children.

Adapted by BAFTA Award-winner Simon Farnaby, known for his work on WONKA and PADDINGTON 2, and directed by Gregor, the film has completed shooting across locations in Southern England and at Shinfield Studios in Reading. Gregor positions the adaptation as a film for both adults and children, emphasizing his approach: “What you gotta do is just treat young people as sensible adults.”

From All3Media’s Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group, and Ashland Hill Media Finance, THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE follows the Thompson children as they discover a magical world far removed from their 21st-century screens. While a release date remains unannounced, Coughlan’s involvement signals another significant step in her rapidly ascending career, cementing her status as one of the industry’s most captivating and versatile performers.

March 24, 2025

Irish Film

Nicola Coughlan

Gabriel Byrne joins BALLERINA

Gabriel Byrne in BALLERINA

The John Wick universe continues to expand as Lionsgate releases a captivating new trailer and four striking images from BALLERINA, offering fans first glimpses of Norman Reedus, Anjelica Huston, and Ian McShane alongside a fresh still of lead actress Ana de Armas.

Golden Globe winner and two-time Emmy nominee Gabriel Byrne steps into this shadowy world of assassins, bringing his legendary enigmatic presence to the franchise. Byrne’s recent career has been defined by his ability to convey mysterious depth and ambiguity—qualities that producer Basil Iwanyk notes make him perfect for the Wick universe: “For decades, Gabriel’s mysterious and enigmatic presence has enriched dozens of films – you can never quite be sure what he’s thinking, or if what he’s telling you is on the level.” In 2021, Byrne starred in the psychological horror film DEATH OF A LADIES’ MAN playing a womanizing college professor who begins experiencing surreal hallucinations. That same year, he appeared in the Irish drama MURDER AT THE COTTAGE a five-part documentary series where he served as narrator. 2022 saw Byrne in INLAND an indie thriller, and he took on a leading role in WAR OF THE WORLDS season 3, continuing his character’s arc from previous seasons of the sci-fi series.

In 2023, he appeared in the dramatic film DANCE FIRST a Samuel Beckett biopic where he played the older version of the famed writer. He also starred in the Irish crime drama “Cottage by the Sea.”

Set during the events of JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM, the film follows Eve Macarro (de Armas) at the beginning of her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma. Franchise stalwarts Huston and McShane return to their beloved roles, while Reedus joins as a newcomer alongside Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and a special appearance by Keanu Reeves himself.

Currently in production under the guidance of producers Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chad Stahelski, with Brady Fujikawa and Chelsea Kujawa overseeing for Lionsgate, BALLERINA is poised to continue the franchise’s signature blend of stylized action and intricate world-building when it arrives in theaters on June 6, 2025.

March 23, 2025

Irish Film

Gabriel Byrne

FRÉWAKA prems Apr 25 on Shudder

FREEWAKA in theatres Apr 25

In the shadowy landscape of contemporary horror cinema, Aislinn Clarke has emerged as a distinctive voice, crafting narratives that intertwine cultural heritage with psychological terror. Following her acclaimed 8mm found footage debut THE DEVIL’S DOORWAY, Clarke returns with FRÉWAKA, a groundbreaking Irish-language folk horror film that delves into generational trauma through the lens of ancient mythology.

Set in a remote Irish village, FRÉWAKA follows Shoo, a home care worker played by Clare Monnelly, who arrives to tend to an agoraphobic elderly woman portrayed by Bríd Ní Neachtain. Already haunted by personal tragedy, Shoo encounters a patient gripped by paranoia—not just of her neighbors, but of the Na Sídhe, sinister supernatural entities she believes abducted her decades earlier. As their relationship deepens, the boundaries between superstition and reality blur, forcing Shoo to confront both her patient’s haunting beliefs and the unresolved horrors of her own past.

What distinguishes FRÉWAKA in Clarke’s growing filmography is its cultural significance. As one of the first horror films ever made in the endangered Irish language, it represents Clarke’s commitment to weaving her heritage into the fabric of modern horror storytelling. This cultural authenticity caught the attention of horror streaming platform Shudder, which will debut the film exclusively on April 25, 2025, as a centerpiece of their “Halfway to Halloween” celebration.

“We’re honored to give FRÉWAKA, the first-ever Irish language horror film, an international platform on Shudder,” said Emily Gotto, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Production. “With this twist on a traditional haunted house, Aislinn skillfully delivers a bold, provocative, deeply emotional and menacing film that weaves folk horror within an impactful investigation of generational trauma.”

The film is produced by Diarmuid Lavery for DoubleBand Films and Patrick O’Neill for Wildcard, with executive producers including Máire Ní Chonláin, Deirbhile Ní Churraighín, Greg Martin, and Michael Hewitt. With FRÉWAKA, Clarke not only continues to establish herself as a compelling voice in horror cinema but also champions cultural preservation through her art, transforming endangered language into a vehicle for universal fear that transcends linguistic boundaries.

March 21, 2025

Irish Film

Horror

Caitriona Balfe in THE AMATEUR

As the beloved time-traveling nurse Claire Fraser in OUTLANDER, Caitriona Balfe has captivated audiences across seven seasons of the hit Starz series. Now, with the second half of OUTLANDER‘s seventh season approaching and only one final season remaining, fans are eagerly following Balfe’s career beyond the Scottish highlands.

The Irish actress is making a significant pivot from 18th-century period drama to contemporary action in the upcoming high-stakes thriller THE AMATEUR, as revealed in a newly released trailer. Set for release next April, the film will showcase Balfe in what appears to be a substantial supporting role, judging by her prominent position in the cast list just behind lead actors Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne, and Rachel Brosnahan. While the trailer only offers a fleeting glimpse of Balfe engaged in an intense car chase, her character’s identity and exact role in the plot remain intriguingly under wraps. What’s certain is that this role will present a marked departure from the compassionate healer Claire Fraser, as Balfe steps into a grittier, action-oriented character within the world of espionage.

THE AMATEUR follows Charlie Heller (Malek), a brilliant but introverted CIA decoder whose life is shattered when his wife (Brosnahan) is killed in a London terrorist attack. When the agency refuses to pursue her killers due to conflicting priorities, Heller takes matters into his own hands, blackmailing the CIA into training him and allowing him to seek vengeance personally.

The film is directed by James Hawes, known for his work on the acclaimed series SLOW HORSES, suggesting a sophisticated approach to the spy thriller genre. This project marks another impressive addition to Balfe’s growing filmography, which recently included her BAFTA-nominated performance in the Oscar-winning BELFAST.

For OUTLANDER devotees who have followed Balfe’s journey since the series began, this new role represents an exciting evolution in her career as she continues to demonstrate her versatility beyond the character that made her famous.

March 12, 2025

Irish Film

Caitríona Balfe

PEAKY BLINDERS wraps filming

The curtain has fallen on filming for the highly anticipated PEAKY BLINDERS movie, with creator Steven Knight confirming production wrapped on December 13th. “We’ve got Barry Keoghan, Tim Roth, Rebecca Ferguson, and obviously Cillian Murphy and Stephen Graham,” Knight revealed on The Playlist’s Bingeworthy podcast, adding with palpable excitement, “And I have to say, it is mind-blowingly good.”

The gritty drama that captured audiences with its unflinching portrayal of Birmingham’s criminal underworld in the aftermath of World War I has always had Irish blood running through its veins. At its core stands Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby, the calculating gang leader whose Irish roots inform both his outsider status and his resilience. Murphy, born in Cork, brought an authentic Irish intensity to the role that helped propel him to international stardom during the show’s nearly decade-long run from 2013 to 2022.

Now the Irish connection strengthens with the addition of Dublin-born Barry Keoghan to the cast. The SALTBURN star represents a new generation of Irish talent making waves in Hollywood, following a path blazed by actors like Michael Fassbender and Pierce Brosnan. Both Fassbender and Brosnan share fascinating Irish backgrounds – Fassbender born in Germany but raised in Killarney from age two, while Brosnan hails from Drogheda before finding fame across the Atlantic. Like Murphy, they carried their Irish sensibilities into roles that demanded both ferocity and vulnerability.

While Netflix has only released a single tantalizing image of Keoghan driving a truck toward a brick building, his addition alongside Murphy creates a powerful Irish presence in the film. This Irish thread weaves throughout the PEAKY BLINDERS universe, reflecting Ireland’s complex relationship with Britain and the immigrant experience that shaped Birmingham’s industrial landscape. The fierce loyalty, quick wit, and simmering tension that characterized the original series all carry echoes of Irish storytelling traditions.