LONDON – April 2025 – Modern Films has announced the UK cinema release of Blue Road – The Edna O’Brien Story, a powerful new documentary exploring the life and legacy of iconic Irish writer Edna O’Brien. The film, directed by award-winning filmmaker Sinéad O’Shea, opens in UK cinemas on 18 April 2025, following its acclaimed world premiere at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival and a US premiere as the Opening Film at DOC NYC.

Narrated by Oscar-nominated actress Jessie Buckley as the voice of Edna O’Brien, the 98-minute feature presents an unflinching and moving portrait of one of literature’s most fearless voices. O’Brien’s rise to fame began in 1960 with her groundbreaking novel The Country Girls, which was banned and burned in Ireland for its candid depiction of female sexuality. Nevertheless, she went on to achieve international success, contributing to The New Yorker, writing screenplays, and remaining a key figure in literary circles.

The film includes rare access to O’Brien’s personal diaries, late-life reflections captured on camera before her passing in July 2024 at the age of 93, and appearances by literary figures including Gabriel Byrne, Walter Mosley, and Anne Enright. O’Brien’s two sons, Carlo and Sasha, also contribute personal insights into her complex life—one filled with literary triumphs, bold love affairs, and the challenges of single motherhood.

Critics have praised Blue Road as “engaging, tender and lovingly crafted” (The Hollywood Reporter) and “one of the best documentaries you’ll see in 2025” (RTÉ).

Produced by SOS Productions and Tara Films, and backed by Screen Ireland, Sky, and the UK Global Screen Fund, the film is set to be one of the year’s standout biographical documentaries.

Blue Road – The Edna O’Brien Story was released earlier this year in the Republic of Ireland on 31 January 2025.