“It’s a love story, but it’s also not a love story”, says Edward (James McArdle), when asked by interviewers about his soon-to-be-published novel. The same is true of Darren Thornton’s follow-up to A Date For Mad Mary (2016), a comedy of great sweetness and charm focusing on the bond between a boy and his mother. Edward, gay and single, is attempting to juggle requests for interviews and plans for book tours with his responsibilities caring for his widowed mother Alma (Fionnula Flanagan), who is recovering from a stroke. As he agonises over these decisions, complications arise when his friends leave their mothers (Paddy Glynn, Stella McCusker, Dearbhla Molloy) on his doorstep as they jet off to foreign climes for a Pride parade. The intrusion of these eccentric women helps Edward and Alma to realise the strength of their own relationship.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

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
Sanatorium
Christy