Christy

Christy is a 2025 Irish drama that follows a 17‑year‑old named Christy who finds himself at a crossroads after being kicked out of his suburban foster home. He ends up staying with his older brother Shane in Cork’s inner city, and the two are forced to confront a turbulent past while deciding what the future holds. The film’s core message is that sometimes, to move forward, you have to go back.

Directed by Brendan Canty in his feature‑length debut, the movie is written by Alan O'Gorman from a story by O'Gorman and Canty. It’s inspired by Canty’s own short film of the same name, giving it a personal, almost autobiographical feel. The cast is led by Danny Power as Christy and Diarmuid Noyes as Shane, with solid supporting turns from Emma Willis, Alison Oliver, Chris Walley, Helen Behan, Lewis Brophy, and Jamie Forde. The film also features members of The Kabin Studio, a Cork‑based community arts collective that brings hip‑hop and spoken‑word energy to the set.

Christy was shot on location in Knocknaheeny and Cork city centre in August 2023, and it runs for 99 minutes. It premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on 14 February 2025, opening the Generation 14plus section, and later screened at the 53rd Norwegian International Film Festival in August 2025. It hit Irish screens on 29 August 2025 and opened in the UK on 5 September 2025. The film was also selected for the Network of the Festivals in the Adriatic Region Programme in conjunction with the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival.

The film’s reception has been strong on the festival circuit. It won Best Irish Film at the Galway Film Fleadh in July 2025 and earned 14 nominations at the Irish Film & Television Awards in January 2026, including Best Film and Best Director.

Christy will appeal to anyone who loves character‑driven stories that explore family dynamics, identity, and the challenges of growing up in an urban Irish setting. Fans of indie dramas, strong performances, and films that blend personal narrative with community culture will find plenty to enjoy. Those who prefer fast‑paced action or high‑concept blockbusters might find the film’s reflective tone a bit slow, but it offers a heartfelt look at brotherhood and the idea that sometimes the past is the key to the future.