When vulnerable 17-year-old Christy (Danny Power) is thrown out of his foster home, he moves in with his estranged older brother Shane (Diarmuid Noyes), once troubled but now gainfully employed, with a loving partner (Emma Willis) and a new baby.  Christy begins to feel at home in Knocknaheeny, reconnecting with reprobate cousins (despite Shane’s firm warning to the contrary), making new friends and finding a surprising niche for himself within the community.  But the brothers must come to terms with the trauma of their past before they can forge a healthy future.

This modest gem of a film is so authentic in tone and so strong in its sense of people and place, that it feels as if it has been co-authored by the working class community it represents (not least the rapping kids of the Kabin Crew).

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:
Blue Road: the Edna O’Brien story
Girls & Boys
Four Mothers
Sanatorium