Four Mothers
May 15, 2025
Darren Thornton (SIFF 2017’s A Date for Mad Mary) writes and directs this humorous and tender Irish charmer about a gay YA novelist (James McArdle, “Mare of Easttown”) who must look after four aging women left in his care.
Opening Night Tickets: $78 Members | $88 Non-Members
Opening Night VIP Tickets: $360
Members: Make sure to sign in to your SIFF account before selecting tickets.
Note: SIFF parties are for ages 21+, and IDs will be checked at the door. No refunds will be issued for tickets purchased with an invalid ID.
Related Event
Seattle International Film Festival: Opening Night Film and Party
Join us at the Paramount Theatre on Thursday, May 15 for the Opening Night Film and Party. Enjoy complimentary drinks and bites from the best Seattle has to offer, as well as music and dancing at the party.
Edward, a struggling Irish author, is on the verge of literary success when his queer romance YA novel gains massive buzz ahead of its US release. His agent and publisher keep pushing him to take advantage of the moment and commit to a major book tour paired with extensive media appearances, all but guaranteeing a bestseller. However, as the sole caregiver to Alma—his endearingly feisty mother whose recent stroke has left her disabled and unable to speak except through an iPad—he feels conflicted about leaving her, even if only for two weeks. A prospective plan to get one of his best mates to care for her backfires when all three, taking inspiration from his idea, abruptly take off for the pride festival on sun-drenched Gran Canaria, leaving their own mothers behind in his charge. Over the chaotic weekend that follows, people-pleaser Edward must juggle his burgeoning career plans with the care of four eccentric, combative, and wildly different ladies—none of whom really get along with any of the others. In his follow-up to A Date for Mad Mary (SIFF 2017), director Darren Thornton formulates a note-perfect comedy about the tender bonds between mothers and their sons, drawing upon delightfully deep reserves of wisdom, poignancy, and heartfelt humor.
—Dan Doody
- Director: Darren Thornton
- Principal Cast: James McArdle, Fionnula Flanagan, Paddy Glynn, Dearbhla Molloy, Stella McCusker
- Country: Ireland, United Kingdom
- Year: 2024
- Running Time: 89 min.
- Producer: Celine Haddad, Niamh Fagan, Philip Prettejohn
- Screenplay: Darren Thornton, Colin Thornton
- Cinematographers: Tom Comerford
- Editors: Gary Dollner, Gretta Ohle
- Music: Stephen Rennicks, Hugh Drumm
- Website: Official Film Website
- Filmography: A Date for Mad Mary (2016)
- Language: English
- Has Subtitles: Yes
- International Sales: MK2 Films