A hit 2025 Irish movie is airing on TV tonight

Featuring James Nesbitt as part of its cast, the film is not available to rent or stream in the Republic of Ireland yet, meaning now is the time to watch it.

Described as a "nostalgic nod to Belfast student life", the story is set in the infamous student quarter of the city, known as The Holylands.

The movie follows two stepbrothers, Michael (Ciaran McCourt, Lost City) and Scott (Peter Jeffries), who are on a mission to host one last legendary house party before graduation, after which the responsibilities of adulthood will come crashing in.

When their strict father discovers their wild plans, however, he bans any further partying and dispatches his uptight assistant to keep them in line.

"As the brothers scramble to pull off their blowout bash without being caught, chaos, comedy, and unexpected lessons ensue," the plot synopsis reads.

The Unhoyland's cast also includes Irish screen legend James Nesbitt (Five Minutes of Heaven), who plays an exaggerated version of himself.

This is alongside cameos in the comedy from well-known Northern Irish faces like singer Nathan Carter and boxer Tyrone McKenna.

Written and directed by 26-year-old Paddy Duffy, who also stars in the movie, he describes the film as a "four-year passion project".

The Unholylands reportedly enjoyed a successful cinema run last October, delivering "strong UK and Ireland box-office returns for an independent Northern Irish production".

The comedy also earned some very glowing reviews. The Belfast Telegraph said: "The entire film feels like an exaggerated, embellished retelling of insane student stories gone by — but for many who have lived it, they’ll tell you that it’s not too far from the truth."

The Irish News, meanwhile, wrote: "From the snappy comebacks and boyish banter to the physical comedy on display... the film is a riot in more ways than one."

The Unholylands is airing on BBC One tonight at 10.40pm. The movie is not available to rent or stream in the Republic of Ireland yet, so now is the time to watch it if curious.

Here are the other movies airing on TV tonight:

Wrath of Man / The Mechanic - Film4 - 9pm / 11.20pm

A double bill of two of Jason Statham's best movies.

Expend4bles - ITV4 - 9pm

Jason Statham stars again, alongside Sylvester Stallone, in the recent fourth entry of their Expendables action film franchise.

Life's a Breeze - RTÉ2 - 9pm

This 2013 Irish comedy focuses on an unemployed slacker (Pat Shortt), his aged mother (Fionnula Flanagan), and his niece (Kelly Thornton), who must overcome their many differences to find a lost fortune.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance - Sky Sci-Fi - 9pm

Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Johnny Blaze, a motorcyclist cursed to hunt demons, in this underrated superhero sequel, with a cast that also includes Ciarán Hinds and Idris Elba.

Rambo: Last Blood - Legend - 9pm

Sylvester Stallone returns as action man John Rambo in this generic, incredibly violent sequel that sees the character go to war with a vicious Mexican cartel.

Heist - Legend Xtra - 9pm

Dave Bautista and Robert De Niro are among the cast of this watchable action thriller about a casino heist carried out by an employee (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) who needs to pay for his sick daughter’s treatment.

The Replacement Killers - Legend - 10.50pm

Chow Yun-fat and Mira Sorvino star in this decent ’90s action thriller set in Los Angeles, which follows an emotionally disillusioned assassin who is forced to settle a violent vendetta for a ruthless crime boss.

Robin Hood - BBC Two - 11pm

Gladiator director Ridley Scott and star Russell Crowe reunited for this retelling of the legend of Robin Hood.

The Lost Future - Sky Sci-Fi - 11pm

Sean Bean and Sam Claflin are among the cast of this post-apocalyptic TV movie.

Trance - Channel 4 - 1.55am

Danny Boyle (28 Years Later, Trainspotting) directs this fun and lurid thriller about a hypnotherapist (Rosario Dawson) who gets employed by a gangster (Vincent Cassel).

This is to help an associate of the crime boss (James McAvoy), suffering from memory problems, remember where he stashed a valuable painting.

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