An Irish Goodbye
An Irish Goodbye

Movie spotlight

An Irish Goodbye

2022
Movie
23 min
English

In rural Northern Ireland, following the untimely death of their mother, a young man with Down syndrome and his estranged brother discover her unfulfilled bucket list.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes98%
Google Users96%
Director: Tom Berkeley, Ross WhiteGenres: Short Film, Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Two estranged brothers are forced to reunite in their childhood home in rural Ireland after the death of their mother. Their reunion is further complicated by the fact that one brother is gay and has been estranged from his family for years, while the other is trying to fulfill his mother's dying wish. Amidst grief and unresolved family tensions, they embark on a darkly comedic and poignant journey to come to terms with their past and forge a new future.

Critical Reception

An Irish Goodbye was widely acclaimed for its sharp writing, superb performances, and its ability to balance dark humor with genuine emotional depth. Critics praised its sensitive portrayal of grief, family dynamics, and LGBTQ+ identity within a rural Irish context. The film resonated with audiences for its heartwarming and ultimately uplifting message.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its surprisingly funny and touching exploration of grief and family reconciliation.

  • Lauded for the strong performances, particularly from the lead actors.

  • Appreciated for its sensitive handling of themes of sexuality and acceptance within a traditional setting.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's emotional impact, commending its blend of humor and pathos, and its satisfying resolution that leaves viewers with a sense of hope.

Awards & Accolades

Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film (2023), BAFTA Award for Best Short Film (2023)

Fun Fact

The film's production was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the filmmakers having to adapt their shooting schedule and protocols to ensure the safety of cast and crew.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Peter McGinn

Peter McGinn

This is a comedy-drama that is not only short but small, with just three characters and a voiceover. The two brothers grew on me quickly and the quirky priest was certainly no cliched character. The humor ranges from slapstick to subtle and...

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Paddy Jenkins ("Father O'Shea") acts well as the conduit here between two brothers who are unexpectedly reunited by the death of their mother. "Turlough" (Seamus O'Hara) has left Northern Ireland to work in Engand and when he returns, is se...

Video Reviews

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