Four Mothers

"Edward" (James McArdle) is a gay thirty-something whose new novel has his publishers desperate for him to go on a book tour of the USA. Thing is, he has his elderly mum to look after. "Anna" (Fionnula Flanagan) has been suffering from the after effects of a stroke that have left her mobility impaired and without the power of speech. Just to further complicate his scenario, she is being nursed by "Raf" (Gaetan Garcia) who just happens to be his ex, and about to set up home with another fella. He concludes that maybe putting her in a home for a few weeks whilst he travels might work, but before he has a chance to put that plan into action three of his best mates announce that they are going to a Pride event in Spain and when he returns home one evening, discovers that they have each left their own mothers for his tender care. He is not happy, neither is his mother nor any of their new guests who proceed to expect the best B&B Dublin has to offer! Whilst he struggles with this mother of a plate-juggling exercise, he embarks of a bit of a trip of self-discovery while we watch from the comfort of our seat thanking the maker that this isn't happening to us! There is something predictable about the story, but along the way we do watch some enjoyable characterisations from Flanagan (and a bell that only an eedjit would ever have given her) as well as typically stoic and practical Irish personas from Dearbhla Molloy, Stella McCusker and from Galway's very own "Madame Arcati" - "Maura" (Niamh Cusack) who put some fine icing on this cake of ridiculousness. It takes a pop at just about everything from the pomposity of the literature world through modern attitudes to age, infirmity and sexuality; health care, the afterlife and showcases proudly a population that has all too willingly unshackled itself from an Ireland they are all glad to leave behind - even if some are less embracing of their gay sons than others. There's loads of sarcasm and observational wit from the script and McArdle - who spends a fair degree of this sleeping in his car - works well with his feisty and sagely houseguests. Will he get to the USA though? Good fun, this.

Saw this at the Belmont International Film Festival. It's beautifully written and acted. It's somewhat autobiographical. Two brothers wrote and directed. One brother plays the other brother's character. Sheds some light on the interesting dynamic between a gay son and his mother. A rare movie that doesn't infantilize older people. They are real, unique and believable. Loved the interplay during the bus ride. It's got a satisfying ending that is not corny or predictable. Our audience of mostly older adults seemed to love it. It was relatable for so many of us. So inspiring. I can't wait to see it again.

Writing is quality.

Acting is real good.

Comedy is inclusive and timing spot on.

LGBR+ I genuine

A really good find on BFI, takes no prisoners, all characters believable, no magic wand. Hilarious and compassionate,

Good traveller movie if you need to be inspired by Ireland No nakedness, some verbal expressions of sexuality, gay and straight, young old and in between.

To me the movie really is something special. It exceeded my expectaions since I thought oh well another of these typical feel good movies. However I was surprised in the best possible way.

As mentioned in the caption-after a short while you really fall in love with all of the characters and get a deeper understanding of their struggels. The movie really manages to make you laugh many times without being shallow. So to my mind there are a lots of aspects someone could think about after watching the movie-or not since nothing is forced upon you. You can also choose to simply have a great time and watch the film for Entertainment. But isn't this Freedom of choice all that movies should be about?