Arracht (2019)
If there’s an Irish language film that’s an answer to Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Parasite’, this is it. A tense, sometimes terrifying new addition to famine-time storytelling.
An Cailín Ciúin (2022)
Whether Colm Bairéad’s film wins Best International Feature at the Academy Awards or not, even the nomination has rocketed Irish film into the consciousness of discerning cinema-goers once again.
You Are Not My Mother (2021)
Ireland has centuries of horror in its blood, but with a clear swing towards literature. In terms of film, it’s rarely been done right. Horror is in the middle of another global golden era, and hopefully Kate Dolan’s 2021 outing is the spark for more Irish forays into the genre.
A Mother Brings Her Son to Be Shot (2017)
A harrowing glimpse at this country’s not too distant past in Ireland, film-maker and journalist Sinead O’Shea’s documentary about the tough decisions within the O’Donnell family in Derry is essential viewing for a true examination of post-Troubles Ireland.
Room (2015)
A thoroughly original film, ‘Room’ is a 2015 drama film directed by Lenny Abrahamson based on the book by Emma Donoghue. Although on first glance it’s a Hollywood film based in the US, the Irish talent behind the scenes showed the production talent bursting out of the country.
Belfast (2021)
A coming of age story set during the Troubles that received seven nominations at the Academy Awards and won Best Original Screenplay. Need we say more about what this film did for the Irish industry?
Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
If nothing else, this film served as the globe’s first big introduction to Barry Keoghan, a performer who already in his young career has become one of the most recognisable names on the world stage. Not to mention the film being one of the most wholly original of the past decade.
The Guard (2011)
How can a film that’s so colloquial be so widely well-received? Brendan Gleeson, that’s why. It became the most successful independent Irish film at the box office in history upon its release, and new audiences continue to discover its bonkers beauty over 10 years later.
Song of the Sea (2014)
An incredible outing from Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, but it’s the music here that really kicks it up a notch. The original music for the film was composed by Bruno Coulais, in collaboration with the Irish group Kíla, as well as a number of features from Lisa Hannigan. We’re always here for homegrown music being brought to the world stage.
Wolfwalkers (2020)
Speaking of Cartoon Saloon… They really do an incredible job of bringing fascinating Irish stories to the masses. Steeped in charm and beautifully crafted, it’s no surprise that it received nominations for Best Animated Feature Film at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards.
