From filmmakers Tom Berkeley and Ross White, An Irish Goodbye tells the story of estranged brothers Lorcan (James Martin) and Turlough (Seamus O’Hara) reunited following the untimely death of their mother.
We are continuing Meanwhile in Ireland’s Irish Film Review series this week with An Irish Goodbye. The short film might only be 23 minutes long, but it packs a punch of hilarity and emotion nonetheless.
An Irish Goodbye follows the story of two brothers. Firstly, Lorcan, who has seemingly lived at home with his mother his whole life, and Turlough, who at once stage moved away to live in England.
This review will not contain any major spoilers, so read on for our honest review of An Irish Goodbye.
The premise – brothers reunited in rural Northern Ireland
Set against the backdrop of rural Northern Ireland, An Irish Goodbye sees two estranged brothers reuniting under the unfortunate circumstances of the passing of their mother.
Turlough, played by Seamus O’Hara, returns home from England to his brother Lorcan, played by James Martin, for the funeral and cremation of their mother.
The local priest is played by Paddy Jenkins, a character who offers comedic respite under the morbid and unfortunate circumstances.
Anyone who has grown up in Ireland, north or south, or has attended an Irish funeral will understand the semi-awkward back and forth you have with the priest after the passing of a loved one, especially sitting in the family kitchen surrounded by cups of tea and triangle sandwiches.
Brothers reunited – a homecoming in unfortunate circumstances
The plan is that Lorcan, who has Down’s Syndrome, is to go and live with his aunt on the other side of Ireland, and Turlough will sell the family farm. Lorcan, however, wishes to continue working and living on the farm he grew up on.
However, when Father O’Shea discovers a bucket list of 100 things in their late mothers’ pocket, Lorcan is determined to fulfil his mother’s last dreams and wishes.
Much to the irritation of Turlough at first, he eventually comes around, and the pair set out to tick off the bucket list activities, which include things like learning Tai Chi, skydiving, and live-model painting.
What unravels is the beautiful reconnection of two brothers, one of whom seemingly lost sight of the importance of family and the other who knows nothing but.
Themes – exploring loss, family, and tradition
The pair who made the film, Ross White and Tom Berkeley, have spoken in interviews about what inspired the movie.
After living together for a long time in the big city lights of London, they both returned to their respective homes, one to Belfast and the other to Gloucester, something that is reflected in Turlough’s homecoming in the film.
An Irish Goodbye explores many themes, including family, loss, and tradition. The movie takes a very real look at family dynamics in rural Ireland and, perhaps, Ireland as a whole.
The death of the matriarch, or the glue that holds the family together, often brings with it complicated and uncomfortable circumstances that no one really likes to talk about.
Beautifully shot, the movie really works with lighting and sound to set the scene. You’ll shed a tear and laugh out loud; we can wholly recommend watching An Irish Goodbye, available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
