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 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.