Directed by Darren Thornton, Four Mothers is a warm and sharply observed Irish comedy-drama that balances humour with emotional depth.  Loosely based on Gianni Di Gregorio’s 2008 film, Mid-August Lunch (shown by Richmond Film Society in 2010), it follows Edward (played sensitively by James McArdle), a gay novelist about to make a breakthrough in his writing career. Edward is also a full-time carer for his stroke-affected mother, Alma (Fionnula Flanagan).  The conflict between Edward’s caring responsibilities and his ambitions is exacerbated when his friends abandon their own mothers at

his doorstep one weekend to attend the Maspalomas Pride celebrations in Gran Canaria.  As Edward finds himself juggling with the demands of four eccentric elderly women, his planned book tour to the US is at risk.  Will

he be able to make it to the US?

​

James McArdle gives a gentle but powerful lead performance, while Alma Flanagan’s non-verbal role is both hilarious and heartbreaking.  Each of the four mothers is vividly drawn, with very distinct personalities and histories that reflect generational shifts in attitudes toward family

and sexuality.

​

Four Mothers explores the emotional toll of

care-giving, the complexities of queer identity

in middle age and the tension between duty

and self-fulfilment.  It cleverly blends serious themes with some very funny moments and

has a lot of charm.  

​

Four Mothers won the BFI London Film Festival Audience Award in 2024 and also in 2024, awards at the Chicago International Film Festival and the Miami Film Festival.

​

Darren Thornton has directed a mix of feature films, shorts and television.  His other films include A Date for Mad Mary (2016), an adaptation of a stage play which won Best Irish Feature Film at the Galway Film Fleadh and the short films Two Hearts (2011) and Frankie (2007). 

​

Claire Cameron