5* film review: An Irish Goodbye

About the film

The 2022 comedy-drama film ‘An Irish Goodbye’ stars James Martin and Seamus O’Hara as two brothers who reunite after their mother’s death. It is set in rural Northern Ireland. It won lots of awards including a BAFTA and an Oscar (Academy Award).

Here is Tom’s review:

Lorcan and Turlough sold the farm because their Mum passed away. The brothers fell out, but they made up by talking through things and correcting their mistakes and sticking together. They went to do the 100 things that their Mum wanted to finish while she was alive. They agreed to get on with each other and became friends as their Mum’s last wishes were to continue working and stay on the farm and keep the house as long as they can.

The younger brother, Lorcan, has Down syndrome. He was angry and sad at first when his brother didn’t understand him.

It made me sad because he was frustrated with his emotions. He didn’t understand why his brother was treating him very badly and not sticking up for him when he should’ve been looking after him and been more understanding about him having Down syndrome.

Lorcan wanted to do things to preserve the memory of his mother and wanted to live on the farm and remain close to his brother. He wanted love and care from his brother and for him to protect him from difficult situations.

I thought James Martin, who played Lorcan, was a very good actor, because he learnt his lines and portrayed the character really well.

It made me feel sad at the start, but it was a happy ending because the brothers became friends again at the end of the film. They stopped falling out and the older brother took care of the younger brother and the farm and they were equals in the work they had to do.

I loved the film because it reminds me of someone with Down syndrome who can’t help the way they are and look. They find it hard to find their emotions when they are sad and angry because they don’t understand why.

I would like to see a part two – I like sequels.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars. It reminded me of someone I went to school with who had Down syndrome and people didn’t understand him and who he was or why he was that way, but he was a nice person when you got to know him a bit more.

I would recommend ‘An Irish Goodbye’ because it’s about someone with Down syndrome who struggles with life who has potential to be a film star and make money. It teaches you the difficulties of people who experience Down syndrome and their way of life – don’t judge a book by its cover.

‘An Irish Goodbye’ is available to watch on BBC iPlayer or you can rent it on Vimeo.