Award-winning Irish comedy-drama Four Mothers is set to make its theatrical debut across the UK and Ireland on April 4, 2025, following its Audience Award win for Best Feature at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival. Directed by Darren Thornton (A Date for Mad Mary), this heartwarming tale explores family, humor, and the chaos that comes with caring for loved ones. A collaborative release between BFI Distribution and Break Out Pictures, Four Mothers promises to captivate audiences with its wit and emotional depth.
A Cross-Generational Comedy with Heart
Adapted from Gianni Di Gregorio’s Mid-August Lunch by director Darren Thornton and co-writer Colin Thornton, Four Mothers offers a uniquely Irish take on the challenges of family life. The story follows Edward, a novelist on the brink of success, whose plans for a US book tour are upended when he’s left to care for four wildly different and eccentric mothers over a single chaotic weekend.
Blending humor and heartfelt moments, the film examines themes of caregiving, personal ambition, and the unpredictability of relationships. Inspired by the Thorntons’ own experiences with their mother, Four Mothers strikes a perfect balance between laughter and emotion.
The Cast and Characters
Four Mothers features an exceptional cast led by James McArdle (Mary Queen of Scots, Andor), whose portrayal of Edward anchors the film’s comedic and emotional narrative. Other standout performances include:
- Fionnula Flanagan (The Guard, Waking Ned Devine)
- Dearbhla Molloy (Wild Mountain Thyme, Uncle Vanya)
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- Paddy Glynn (in her feature film debut)
- Stella McCusker (Five Minutes of Heaven, You, Me and Marley)
The film also features cameo appearances by Niamh Cusack as a medium and Rory O’Neill (aka Panti Bliss), one of Ireland’s most renowned drag performers, as a therapist.
Behind the Scenes
Directed by Darren Thornton and co-written with his brother Colin Thornton, Four Mothers showcases the duo’s talent for crafting relatable, heartfelt narratives. The film was produced by Eric Abraham, Jack Sidey, and Martina Niland, with support from:
- Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland
- The Common Humanity Arts Trust
- RTÉ
The film is a collaborative effort between Port Pictures, Portobello Films & Television, and mk2 Films, emphasizing the importance of storytelling rooted in cultural authenticity.
Distribution and Audience Reception
Four Mothers has already earned critical acclaim, winning the Audience Award for Best Feature at the BFI London Film Festival. The film’s UK and Ireland release is a joint effort between Break Out Pictures and BFI Distribution, with both companies expressing their enthusiasm:
Laura Dos Santos, BFI Acquisitions Manager:
“Four Mothers strikes the perfect balance between wit and laughter, entertainment and emotion, and has true cross-generational appeal. Winning the LFF Audience Award for Best Feature certainly bodes well for next year’s general release.”
Robert McCann Finn and Nell Roddy, Break Out Pictures:
“We’re huge admirers of Darren’s work, and following such a wonderful reaction from LFF, we are delighted in this joint release with the BFI to bring Four Mothers to cinemas across Ireland and the UK from April 4th. It’s an incredibly heart-warming, funny, and emotionally charged film, and we can’t wait for audiences to see it.”
Why You Should Watch Four Mothers
This Irish comedy-drama offers something for everyone:
- Heartfelt Humor: A lighthearted yet deeply emotional exploration of caregiving and family dynamics.
- Outstanding Cast: Stellar performances from seasoned actors and fresh talents alike.
- Relatable Themes: A story that resonates with audiences of all ages, offering both laughs and tears.
Whether you’re drawn by the humor, the heartwarming story, or the incredible cast, Four Mothers promises to be an unmissable cinematic experience.
Key Details
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- Release Date: April 4, 2025
- Directors: Darren Thornton and Colin Thornton
- Producers: Eric Abraham, Jack Sidey, Martina Niland
- Starring: James McArdle, Fionnula Flanagan, Dearbhla Molloy, Paddy Glynn, Stella McCusker
- Runtime: TBD
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- Genre: Comedy-Drama
- Country of Origin: Ireland
Don’t miss Four Mothers, the award-winning comedy-drama coming to cinemas across the UK and Ireland on April 4, 2025. Mark your calendars, and get ready to laugh, cry, and connect with this heartwarming story of family and friendship.
About BFI Distribution
BFI Distribution is at the forefront of bringing a diverse range of films to cinemas across the UK, catering to audiences with tastes spanning iconic classics, world cinema gems, and groundbreaking contemporary releases. As part of the British Film Institute’s mission, it supports the discovery and enjoyment of cinema in all its forms, championing both the preservation and progression of the art form.
A Portfolio of Iconic Films
BFI Distribution offers an eclectic mix of titles, ensuring something for every cinephile. Its catalogue includes:
Classic Masterpieces
From beloved musicals to groundbreaking dramas, the lineup features timeless works such as:
- A Clockwork Orange
- Singin’ in the Rain
- Midnight Cowboy
World Cinema Essentials
Cinema lovers can explore international masterpieces like:
- La Dolce Vita
- The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
- Seven Samurai
- The 400 Blows
- La Haine
Celebrated British Films
The collection also honors Britain’s cinematic history with films like:
- Distant Voices, Still Lives
- Naked
- Nil by Mouth
Contemporary Highlights
BFI Distribution is committed to showcasing contemporary independent cinema, bringing fresh, thought-provoking films to the big screen. Notable releases over the past five years include:
- BAFTA-winning Bait
- Mogul Mowgli
- After Love
- Enys Men
- God’s Creatures
Recent additions include critically acclaimed films such as:
- The Oscar-nominated EO
- Pretty Red Dress
- The Eternal Daughter
Looking ahead to 2024, BFI Distribution’s slate includes exciting titles like:
- Scala!!!
- Silver Haze
- Starve Acre
- All We Imagine as Light
Restored Masterpieces and Touring Packages
A cornerstone of BFI Distribution’s work is bringing restored cinematic treasures to audiences. Collaborating with the BFI National Archive, the team has reintroduced films like:
- The Epic of Everest
- Napoleon
- South
Additionally, BFI Distribution curates director-focused touring packages, showcasing works from legendary filmmakers such as Ingmar Bergman, Federico Fellini, and François Truffaut. These initiatives allow regional venues to create unique, director-centric seasons, ensuring audiences across the UK can enjoy cinematic retrospectives.
Supporting Programmers and Audiences
Through its carefully curated selection, BFI Distribution provides programmers with a rich array of films to enhance their schedules, while giving audiences access to a captivating blend of cinematic storytelling. Whether it’s a restored classic or a bold new release, the BFI’s offerings embody its commitment to bringing the best of global and British cinema to screens nationwide.
BFI Distribution continues to push the boundaries of film curation, ensuring that audiences of all generations can connect with the power of cinema, whether through cherished classics or contemporary masterpieces.
