A Date for Mad Mary


A Date for Mad Mary is a 2016 Irish drama film, directed by Darren Thornton. It won two Irish Film & Television Awards, including Best Film.

Production

The film is adapted from Yasmine Akram's one-woman play 10 Dates with Mad Mary. Darren Thornton, who directed the original play, adapted and directed this, along with his brother Colin.

Plot

"Mad" Mary McArdle is released from prison and tries to reconnect with friends in Drogheda. Her best friend Charlene is getting married and Mary seeks a date to bring to her wedding.

Release

A Date for Mad Mary premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic on 2 July 2016. It won Best Irish Feature Film at the Galway Film Fleadh, while Seána Kerslake won the Bingham Ray New Talent Award. It went on general release on 2 September, to very positive reviews. The Irish Independent said "A Date for Mad Mary is the best Irish film I've seen in a long time, and blends comedy, romance and pathos with extraordinary skill.". Donald Clarke in The Irish Times said it might be "the best Irish release of 2016".

Accolades