Mary McArdle has just been released from prison after doing time for a violent crime. On here release she goes home to Drogheda where she can't wait to catch up with her best friend Charlene. But Charlene is getting married and despite having Mary as 'Maid of Honour' she seems heavily reluctant to hang out with her erstwhile closest friend.
What is worse Mary has not even got a 'plus one' on the Wedding invite as she has no boyfriend. So she sets out to get herself a date and then by dint of force of character make them join her for the Wedding. Seems like a simple plan but we all know what happens to the best laid plans, and in that department Mary is no exception.
Now this is a comedy drama and it deals with real life issues, often in an unflinching way but this is brilliantly juxtaposed with some razor sharp comedy and moments of wit that border on being genius. Seana Kerslake as 'Mad' Mary is perfect for the role and bodes well for more to come in her career. The entire cast though are spot on and the Grandmother gets two of the best lines, so the fun is spread round.
It is directed by Darren Thornton who co wrote it with Colin Thornton and I think they should be very proud of such an unassuming film that packs such a big cinematic punch. This is a film I can recommend all day long.
