On Saturday August 31, cinemas across Ireland will celebrate National Cinema Day with the price of admission set at just €5. So the question is, what to watch?
It has been a great month for new releases from psychological thrillers and heart-wrenching romances to sci-fi scares, family-favourites and Irish stories. The €5 price for tickets this National Cinema Day will also include all premium seats, screens and 3D screenings in the effort to celebrate the full experience of cinema-going. The entire day will be supported by Fís Éireann. Be sure to check which cinemas are participating (list below) before you get booking.
The participating cinemas include: Arc Cinemas; Carrick Cineplex; Century Cinemas; Cineworld; Eclipse Cinemas; Eye Cinema; IFI Cinemas; IMC Cinemas; Light House Cinema; Movies@Cinemas; Odeon Cinemas; Omniplex Cinemas; Pálás Cinema; Reel Cinemas; and Vue Cinemas.
Here is what to watch this National Cinema Day…
For an important Irish story: Mrs Robinson
Directed by Aoife Kelleher, Mrs Robinson is a documentary about the life of Mary Robinson, the former president (and first female president) of Ireland, UN high commissioner for human rights and one of the strongest Irish voices fighting for climate change on an international stage. Robinson has said in various interviews that it took a lot of persuading for her to make this movie but she is now very glad that she did, realising that it is important to show that everyone makes mistakes. The documentary follows her life up until this point, it rehashes the electoral earthquake that sent tremors through the country when she won the Irish Presidential vote in 1990, her fearless challenging of perpetrators of human rights abuses all over world and her standing now in the fight against climate change with Project Dandelion. She currently exerts power and leadership as the Chair of Elders; the independent group of global leaders (founded by Nelson Mandela) who work for peace, justice and human rights. Take a look at her incredible life so far in her own words this weekend. Watch the trailer here.
For an inspiring story: Sing Sing
Coming to cinemas on August 30, Sing Sing, follows the true story of Divine G, played by Colman Domingo, who was imprisoned at Sing Sing, a New York prison, for a crime he didn’t commit. The film shows him gradually beginning to find purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men in this story. Also starring Clarence Maclin and Paul Raci, this is set to be a very inspiring film, showing resilience, humanity and the transformative power of art.
For a powerful message: It Ends With Us
This film has seen a lot of controversy across the internet and social media, but all that aside, the film is said to be fantastic. Trigger warning needed: It Ends With Us follows the story of Lily Bloom (played by Blake Lively), based on the bestselling two-part book series by author Coleen Hoover. The story is based on Hoover’s real experiences with domestic abuse. The film seeks to show the varying perspectives that are present in an abusive relationship through each of the characters and their unique perspectives. Also starring Justin Baldoni, Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate, with Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaeder playing Lily Bloom and Atlas as their younger selves, it is said to be tragically beautiful – bring the tissues. Watch the trailer here.
For a wild ride: Knee cap
Based on true events and starring the real protagonists, Kneecap follows the story of brothers Naoise and Liam Óg who make up the Irish rap group Kneecap. Set in Belfast, the story follows the time when a teacher comes into the orbit of the two brothers and realises the potential they have as rappers. Rapping in their native Irish language, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue – and continue to, with the musical duo most recently seen at Electric Picnic 2024. Also starring Micheal Fassbender (who shows off his Gaeilge), Josie Walker, Fionnuala Flaherty and Simone Kirby, Jessica Reynolds and Adam Best. This is a great one for the weekend.
For a spook: Blink Twice
A very different look for Channing Tatum and another trigger warning is needed for this film. For fans of psychological thrillers Get Out, Nope, or even the White Lotus series, Blink Twice is sure to be the next addition to your list of favourites. Directed by Zoë Kravitz (what a power couple), the story follows tech billionaire Slater King who meets cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraising gala. He invites her to join him and his friends for a dream vacation on his private island. Strange things start to happen – as these things usually do – and so Frida must uncover the truth to fight for her life. Not for the faint hearted, but glamorous, tropical and oh so eery. Watch the trailer here.
For a sci-fi experience: A Quiet Place: Day One
The film-series set in this dystopian world continues with the prequel to the Emily Blunt and John Krasinski films. The Quiet Place: Day One, starts when New York City comes under attack from an alien invasion. A woman, played by the incredible Lupita Nyong’o, and other survivors must try and find a way to safety. This is how they learn that they must remain silent as these alien-like creatures are drawn to sound. Also starring Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff and Nicko the cat, this will definitely have you on the edge of your seat – especially when watching on the big screen. Notably, there is now a TikTok trend for people testing whether their cats would survive in this quiet place – we can confidently say, most would not.
For a heartwarming romance: Touch
Touch is an Icelandic, Japanese and English film and it is truly beautiful. The film follows the story of a widower (Egill Ólafsson) who embarks on an emotional journey to find his first love, who disappeared 50 years ago. The film goes back in time to show the romance blossoming when the young Icelandic man meets Miko, the daughter of the owner of a Japanese restaurant he visits. A deeply moving and spellbinding romance unfurls. Watch the trailer here.
For an intense adventure: Twisters
Starring Daisy Edgar Jones, Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos, Twisters has turned into a bit of an epic. Drawing in audiences from all ages, those who want to see the remake and remember the first or those who want to watch Edgar Jones and Powell in a flick together. Chasing tornados is the name of the game. Haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado, Kate Cooper (Edgar Jones) gets lured back to the open plains of Oklahoma by her friend, Javi (Ramos), to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. She soon crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Powell) a charming but reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures. As storm season intensifies, Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves in a fight for their lives as multiple systems converge over central Oklahoma.
For all the family: Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 is a real Disney-Pixar treat. Nine years after the release of the first Inside Out, the second film is on the big screens now and it has continued to flood the box office sales this summer. The genius concept of little characters representing emotions inside a little girl’s brain, has successfully evolved into this sequel with the addition of new emotions for a now 13-year-old Riley who is growing up and learning about the world. Riley is experiencing a new set of emotions including Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), Disgust (Liza Lapira) and Envy, voiced by Ayo Edebiri. This is a poignant family film about growing up and Disney always knows how to tug at the heart strings.
