Four Mothers for Edward

Edward (James McArdle) is in his mid-thirties, a bit of an eccentric, and on the verge of a breakthrough as an author. His new novel about a gay first love is being hailed by critics! But he can’t go on the book tour in the U.S.—because of Mom (Fionnula Flanagan). She’s 81, has been dependent on his help since suffering a stroke, and relies on her speech computer, which she uses to keep her son on his toes.

Edward cares for the elderly woman with the patience of a saint. Unfortunately, though—aside from writing—she’s his only reason for living. And he just can’t bring himself to book her a temporary room at a senior living facility for the duration of his trip to the U.S. His psychotherapist encourages him to start looking out for himself from now on. An unexpected adventure begins.

Before he can get started, three gay friends suddenly drop off their own high-maintenance mothers at his place and flee to “Maspalomas Pride” in Gran Canaria. This explains the title “Four Mothers for Edward” and kicks off an absurd comedy. The ladies constantly bicker with one another and make demands as if they were staying at a five-star hotel, while Edward is left with nothing but a place to sleep in his car. But they soon grow together into a chosen family, sharing stories about the pitfalls of aging and their sons’ coming out. And they take on the role of mothers to Edward—all four of them.

Irish director Darren Thornton co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Colin—as a humorous and loving tribute to their own late mother, who, too, could only communicate via computer. This heartwarming and loving mother-son comedy—inspired by the acclaimed Italian film “The August Feast”—follows an unusual chosen family as they learn to embrace life in all its facets. The film celebrated its world premiere at the 2024 London Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award.

IR 2025, Directed by Darren Thornton, 89 minutes, FSK 6

6:30 p.m. Dinner: Beef and Guinness Stew (beef goulash with Guinness, root vegetables, and potatoes)
Registration subject to availability at info@landgasthaus-boess.de

7:30 p.m.: Movie