THERE ARE LOTS of great Irish films available to stream, so why not give some love to homegrown movies this festive season?

Rialto

• Volta.ie

This recent Irish film sees Tom Vaughan Lawlor play a married man in Dublin who falls for a young male sex worker. This low-key movie explores the impact of what happens on him and his family. 

Sea Fever

• Volta.ie

Neasa Hardiman directs this thriller, which is one for fans of Alien and The Thing. A young scientist goes on board a trawler in the Irish sea to do some research – but then something strange starts to invade the vessel…

Extra Ordinary

• Netflix

This absolutely gas Irish comedy stars Maeve Higgins as a woman called Rose who can see and communicate with ghosts. Then Rose gets introduced to Martin (Barry Ward), whose daughter is being used in a Satanic pact concocted by a former rock star (Will Forte). Off the wall and very entertaining.

Michael Inside

• Volta.ie

This incredibly moving film is about a young teenager, Michael (Dafhyd Flynn) who ends up in jail after minding drugs for a schoolmate’s brother. Through his story, we get an insight into life in Irish jail, and the impact that judgements about your class and social background can have on your prospects.

Viva

• Volta.ie

Mark O’Halloran wrote this Cuban-set story about a young drag performer who tries to bond with his macho dad. Directed by the great Paddy Breathnach.

A Date For Mad Mary

• Volta.ie

This brilliant film stars Seana Kerslake as Mary, a young woman who spends some time in jail and then has to return home to a town where everyone knows her reputation. As she feels ostracised by her soon-to-be-married best mate, her friendship with a newcomer starts to change things around for her.

The Crying Game

• IFI@Home

If you haven’t seen this 1992 Neil Jordan classic, now’s your chance. The always great Stephen Rea stars as Fergus, an IRA man who takes a British soldier captive. The ‘reveal’ in this film hasn’t aged well, so be warned, but the rest of the film is excellently told.

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