One of the best Irish movies of recent years is on TV tonight

The drama earned five nominations at the 2024 IFTAs, including for Best Irish Film.

The feature debut of writer-director Patricia Kelly, the film stars Geraldine McAlinden (Aisha, The Last Rifleman) as Marian, a 65-year-old in a controlling marriage who is forced to retire from her job. Seeking independence, she takes secret part-time work as a census enumerator in north inner-city Dublin.

There, Marian forms an unlikely friendship with a teen sex worker named Jewel (rising star Maya O'Shea - Blade Runner 2099, These Sacred Vows). Jewel teaches Marian how to "live life on her own terms, no matter the cost".

Verdigris was inspired by Kelly's own experiences as a census enumerator, with the director taking out a Credit Union loan to make the movie.

Though the film did not get a massive cinema release in Ireland, it was acclaimed. Critics praised the chemistry between McAlinden and O'Shea, as well as the drama's sensitive handling of dark subject matter.

Watch the trailer for Verdigris right here:

Verdigris even won the Best Independent Film prize at the Galway Film Fleadh and received five nominations at the 2024 Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs).

The latter were in the Best Film, Best Director, Best Script, Best Actress in a Lead Role, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role categories.

Verdigris is on TV tonight on RTÉ One at 11.15pm. It should also be available to stream on the RTÉ Player after it airs.

Here are the other movies on TV tonight (Friday, 30 October):