Dir: Darren Thornton

Cast: James McArdle, Fionnula Flanagan, Dearbhla Molloy

Film info: 89 mins. Ireland. 2024. 15A (IFCO) / 15A (BBFC)

Edward is a gay Irish novelist whose career and love life have stalled due to the demands of caring for his ailing mother Alma. He’s kept sane by a group of friends in similar situations. That is until those friends spontaneously decide to make a break for a Pride festival in the Canaries, leaving their mothers on Edward and Alma’s doorstep. Suddenly, an already stressed Edward has not one but four very different older women to look after - and he’s soon pushed to breaking point.

Darren Thornton’s (A Date For Mad Mary) Ireland-set remake of the Italian film Mid-August Lunch is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The impeccable cast skillfully capture the film’s emotional core while delivering knockout comedy performances.

Festivals:

BFI London Film Festival 2024

Dublin International Film Festival 2025

Awards:

Audience Award - London Film Festival 2024

Reviews:

“ A perfectly cast film… with Fionnula Flanagan doing some of her best work.” - Harry Guerin, RTE

“A clearly personal tribute to middle-aged Irish gay men, their working-class matriarchs and what it means to – finally – grow up.” - Fionnuala Halligan, Screen Daily

“Director Darren Thornton, who co-wrote Four Mothers with his brother Colin, handles [the] farcical elements beautifully… Comic spark abounds.” - Nick Davis, Sight & Sound