A captivating, stylish new Irish movie is available to watch now

We think it is probably the best Dublin city has ever looked onscreen.

The drama tells the story of two Trinity College students who, on the surface, seem worlds apart. One is Charlie (Liath Hannon), an aspiring filmmaker who runs in a circle of artistic and creative types. The other is Jace (Adam Lunnon-Collery), a rugby player often surrounded by his team of jocks. 

Despite these differences, however, Charlie and Jace feel inexplicably drawn to one another when they cross paths at a Halloween night party. When the gathering being held at a vacant property is busted by the guards, the pair flee together and decide to keep the evening going by drinking along the Liffey’s quays and buying fireworks from a rickshaw driver/amateur comedian (played by a very funny Joe McGucken, in an extended cameo). 

So far, so Before Sunrise - or like Normal People if it took place over one night. Yet, as Charlie and Jace wander the city’s streets - sharing their secrets, dreams and post-college anxieties - a surprising revelation from their shared past threatens to upend their fragile connection, while also pushing the movie into more unique narrative territory.

To reveal any more would spoil the magic of Girls & Boys. We’ll just say that the movie’s first half is a stunningly realised portrait of two people who seem like total opposites but are, in fact, kindred spirits finding each other and forming a deep connection over one magical night.

No doubt what helps this depiction of tentative romance feel so enchanting is the two central performances. Both Hannon and Lunnon-Collery nail their characters’ awkwardness, borne from self-consciousness, yet also their growing chemistry with each other.

The real star, however, is debut writer-director Donncha Gilmore and cinematographer Fionnuala McCormack's rendering of Halloween night in Dublin city. Full of bursts of firework light, the neon of the Liffey’s quays and reflective glass and mirror panes, it is maybe the most beautiful Ireland’s capital has ever looked on screen.

These visuals also add to the movie’s spellbinding, ephemeral quality. It’s as if the audience is seeing the city from the main characters’ rose-tinted perspectives, fizzy on wine and passion. Adding to the hazy, warm glow is the intermittent use of Super 8 photography, which becomes a plot point given Charlie’s dream of directing.

Alas, the magic could never last. After the night of partying comes the pain of a hangover. Indeed, the aforementioned revelation does threaten to kill Charlie and Jace’s vibe. Yet, the movie itself remains compelling, transforming into a well-observed, compassionate, important story about identity, maturity and the clash between personal desires and societal expectations.

All in all, Girls & Boys is a powerful debut. Be sure to stick around for the mid-credits.

Girls & Boys is in Irish cinemas now.