Viewers raving about feel-good hidden gem Irish comedy now streaming on Netflix

Stephen Porzio

The movie stars a beloved Oscar-winning actress.

Viewers have taken to social media to rave about 2022 Irish comedy-drama movie Joyride starring Oscar-winner Olivia Colman (The Favourite).

Written by Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters) and directed by the acclaimed Emer Reynolds (The Farthest), the film revolves around a pre-teen boy in Kerry named Mully (Charlie Reid) who flees from his father and steals a taxi.

After doing this, however, he is shocked to find a woman named Joy (Colman) in the back seat of the car with a baby.

“Joy has decided to give her child away to a friend, and Mully needs some distance from his debt-ridden dad, who’s after the cash Mully has with him,” the plot synopsis reads.

“And so two lovable rogues – a complicated middle-aged mother and a troubled adolescent – go on a journey across Ireland, gradually finding in each other the friendship, love and learning they never knew they needed.”

Also featuring amongst its cast the recognisable Irish actors David Pearse (Bodkin), Lochlann O’Mearáin (Smother) and Olwen Fouéré (The Watched), Joyride earned mixed reviews upon release – with some critics perceiving it as being a tad predictable in its story.

This hasn’t stopped the comedy from finding a second-life on Netflix and topping the streamer’s top 10 movie chart in Ireland.

In fact, it is the second of Colman’s recent movies to do so after Wicked Little Letters a few weeks ago.

Several Joyride viewers have taken to social media to praise the Irish film for its heartfelt story, as well as for Colman and Reid’s performances.

You can see some of these reactions below:

Joyride is such a gorgeous wee Irish filum. Starring the always magnificent Olivia Colman. However, the standout performance here comes from young Charlie Reid. Wonderful!
— Jason Reid (@JasonReidUK) August 5, 2024

Oh, blimey. Joyride over on the Netflix is an absolute joy of a film. Charlie Reid, the sixteen co-star to Olivia Colman is going to go far. Tender, funny and warm. It was just what I needed tonight. It will go straight to your heart. Night, you lot.
— Melanie Hewitt (@MelAndStuff_) August 1, 2024

watched joyride on Netflix thinking it was going to be a silly little comedy film with olivia colman…. I’m SOBBING
— lauren (@begforloves) August 2, 2024