In 1960, a young Irish woman named Edna O’Brien wrote The Country Girls, the first of a sexually-frank trilogy of novels. Though the books were banned in Ireland, O’Brien became an international literary sensation, gaining fame and notoriety through her marriage and acrimonious divorce from Ernest Gebler; publications in the New Yorker and the creation of screenplays for British and US cinema. She lived in London with her two sons where she hosted star-studded parties and conducted numerous love affairs. Her later work was inspired, at times controversially, by real life events.

This documentary portrait, completed shortly before her death last year, features extracts from her journals (read with verve by Jessie Buckley), contributions from Gabriel Byrne, Anne Enright and other luminaries, and a remarkable final interview with Edna, now aged 93 as she reflects with dignity and candour on her extraordinary life.

Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn

As part of Best of Irish 2025

At the IFI, we champion the full sweep of Irish film throughout the year – from Oscar-nominated features to amateur films made on a shoestring; from archival restorations to brand new releases. Our cinema screenings are complemented by discussions, Q&As, and introductions, adding great value and context for IFI’s discerning audiences. 2025’s top 5 films, which include F-rated work, internationally focused Irish-produced documentary, and films about formerly underrepresented communities, demonstrate the diversity of our programme and your good taste. We are delighted to re-present our best performing Irish films – giving you another chance to catch something you may have missed or to come back and enjoy one of your favourite Irish films one more time.

Other Best of Irish titles include:
Girls & Boys
Four Mothers
Sanatorium
Christy