Glasgow Film Festival 2025 – Four Mothers ★★★★

Released: 4th April 2025

Director: Darren Thornton

Starring: James McArdle, Fionnula Flanagan, Dearbhla Malloy, Paddy Glynn, Stella McCusker

‘Repeat after me. I’m going to stop taking care of other people and start taking care of myself’. The brutal words delivered by conflicted therapist Dermot (Rory O’Neill AKA beloved drag superstar Panti Bliss) to their panic-stricken client Edward Brody (James McArdle).

As a queer writer. We can be susceptible to pouring more consideration into how we overcome obstacles on the page than we do in the real world, gifting characters we create or deeply analyse a level of catharsis and happiness, that we struggle to afford ourselves. For all the biting wit filling the air, alongside webpages and bookshelves. Does it just mask an emotional self-neglect? And when life stacks up those stumbling blocks, have we actually developed the tools to effectively communicate our lingering ills in order to move forward?

In this utter delight of a dramedy from director Darren Thornton. Those alarm bells are literally ringing in Edward’s ears as he begins each new day, thanks to his resilient elderly mother Alma (Fionnula Flanagan). Juggling being on the brink of success with his latest book as various literary personalities line up to interview him in the US, alongside taking care of Alma as she recovers from a stroke in Ireland. Edward is evidently suffering from ‘writer’s block’ in creating a resolution that satisfies all, exacerbated by his mother’s stinging albeit hilarious pot shots.

This middle-age stunting in commitment complicated by Edward’s enduring fondness for handsome therapist Raf (Gaetan Garcia), further extends to Edward’s friends Billy (Gordon Hickey) and Colm (Gearoid Farrelly), who we first encounter in a church. Their world-weary mothers Maude and Jean (Stella McCusker and Dearbhla Malloy) might be grappling with genuine grief. Yet they are mourning the lack of excitement in their respective lifestyles, soon seduced by the speedos and sun of Maspalomas Pride.

A destination that piques a fresh out-of-the-closet Dermot’s interest too, who has a rotten habit of abruptly transitioning into bemoaning his own mother Rosey (Paddy Glynn) during Edward’s therapy sessions. Boasting a wealth of issues that you could indeed write a hefty page-turner about, the last thing Edward anticipates is all four women abandoned in his living room. Time to fire up La Bouche’s Be My Lover as they embark on a riotous weekend of self-care…

Positioning modern male selfishness against a generation of women renowned for their own selflessness, layered with the specificity of each bringing up a queer son amidst rigid conservatism. Whilst there is considerable thematic weight to ‘Four Mothers’. It is testament to how brilliantly crafted and authentic director Darren and his brother Colin Thornton’s script is in alleviating that, creating a disarmingly breezy, frequently hilarious experience.

It always lovingly seeks to bridge the age-gap between its ensemble. Quick pop-culture quips from its gay men, with a standout Mickey Rourke joke resulting in me tapping out from sheer laughter. Ever complimented by the combative brilliance of Alma and co. as they tell it like it is when faced with great indecision. It feeds into Darren’s sensitive, tight direction too which instils a palpable sense of community and inclusion amongst the characters, a particular aspect of life as we get older that can so easily ebb away.

Long overdue a leading role. James McArdle seizes the moment in fine style as he deftly balances the charm and anxieties of his talented writer Edward, who may joke to Alma ‘welcome to the land of the living’, but he’s the one who has arguably felt like death warmed up for too long. Meanwhile the camaraderie among between the fantastic four of Fionnula Flanagan, Dearbhla Malloy, Paddy Glynn and Stella McCusker may just prompt fellow gays to enthusiastically shout ‘MOTHER!’ at the screen, as they deliver impeccable performances. Whether it’s the long-distance relationship via Zoom, the remarkable sense of duty at various funerals or consuming live feeds of a medium (a terrific cameo from Niamh Cusack). You immediately recognise both the absurdity and poignancy of these women’s actions which never resorts to cheap sympathy, only celebrating their collective strength and sacrifice.

A wonderfully warm hug of a film. Just like James McArdle’s Edward’s new book. ‘Four Mothers’ deserves to be a bestseller.