Closing Presentation: Four Mothers

Sept 20, 2025
7 PM

Location
Vancouver Playhouse

Vancouver premiere

Director

Darren Thornton

Country

Ireland, United Kingdom

Year

2024

Runtime

89 min

Languages

English

Edward, a single gay novelist in his thirties living in the suburbs of Dublin with his ageing mother, is finally on the cusp of literary success. However, just as his long-anticipated U.S. book tour approaches, Edward’s friends jet off on a Pride holiday—leaving him in charge of not only his own mother but also their eccentric, strongwilled mothers. Over one chaotic weekend, his life is transformed into a battleground of competing needs, biting wit, and unexpected tenderness.

Winner of the Audience Award at the BFI London Film Festival, Four Mothers is both hilariously sharp and quietly moving—a richly Irish take on queer community, caregiving, and chosen family. James McArdle charms as the talented writer and frustrated son Edward, backed by a stellar ensemble cast. Sparkling dialogue and emotional warmth are at the forefront of this witty, perceptive comedy. Indeed, in modern queer life, our love for our mothers—and for each other—can sometimes be both a burden and a blessing.

This film is only screening in person!

Head to The Birdhouse after this screening for our Closing Weekend Party to dance your heart out from 10pm-2am! Entry to the party is included with tickets to this screening.

It might be the Closing Presentation, but it’s not the last screening of VQFF 2025! Don’t forget to check out a jam-packed last day of phenomenal screenings on Sunday, September 21, 2025, and watch select films online from September 22-28.

📸 We’re thrilled to feature a photo spot created by Snaptique at our Closing Presentation: Four Mothers! Snap some memorable photos and tag @queerfilmfest. They’ve been crafting unique experiences since 2014, making them the premier photo booth rental in Ottawa, Niagara, and Toronto.

ARTIST BIO
Darren Thornton

Darren is an award-winning Irish Director/Writer working across Film and TV. His latest feature film, Four Mothers, co-written with his brother Colin Thornton, stars James McArdle, Fionnula Flanagan and Niamh Cusack premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in 2024, winning the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature Film.

CREDITS
Writers
Darren Thornton
Colin Thornton
Cast
James McArdle
Fionnula Flanagan
Dearbhla Molloy