This is the type of film that could bring a tear to your eye.

The breakthrough movie for writer-director Dave Byrne, its story revolves around Catherine (a fiercely likeable Anne McCrudden), a woman in her 60s who has lived for decades with her husband on a farm in north Dublin.

When her partner dies suddenly, Catherine discovers he was keeping secrets. Not only has he left her with a heap of debts, but he had also been having an affair.

As Catherine tries to summon the inner strength required to repair the damage her husband left behind and save the family business, the widow is forced to push herself out of her comfort zone.

Aided by her new and also recently widowed friend, Tony (an excellent Patrick Bergin, Sleeping with the Enemy), she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Part of this involves asking herself, for the first time in what must be decades, what it is that she really wants out of life.

Sunphlowers Trailer

At around 77 minutes in length, excluding credits, Sunphlowers is a small, intimate and quiet movie with not a lot of surprises. Yet, that is also where its strength lies.

Sunphlowers is a film that mostly eschews movie melodramatics and typical plot mechanics in favour of authenticity. It’s an approach that really works since the dilemma that Catherine finds herself in is a very believable one that is not out of the realm of possibility for many people.

This more grounded style of storytelling also makes the small moments of human decency amidst the lead character’s struggles feel absolutely massive and hit harder emotionally. Examples include Tony’s unwavering support for his new friend or the words of encouragement that Catherine gets from a teacher at her community art class (played by musician Jerry Fish, in a lively supporting turn).

Sunphlowers (the mispelling of the title is explained in one of the film’s best scenes) was made on a low budget, and sometimes one wishes the direction were a touch more dynamic. Plus, with its short-running time, it occasionally feels like certain plot threads are left underdeveloped or underexplored.

Yet, it’s hard to care too much about these issues, especially when the movie ends on such a moving and powerful note.

How to watch Sunphlowers

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it.

Sunphlowers is streaming on Prime Video in Ireland and the UK right now.