Christy (2025) Film Review: An Irish Standout

Christy follows a teen’s turbulent last few weeks of being in foster care as he returns to his hometown of Cork for the first time since his mother’s passing.

Christy (Danny Power), an almost 18-year-old, has been in the foster care system since losing his mother a few years back. Now, only weeks away from entering into the world as an adult, he’s been removed from his current foster family due to a brawl. With just a barely full black bin bag of his belongings, he moves in with his half-brother Shane (Diarmuid Noyes) in Cork. Shane, who seemingly never had the chance to grieve the loss of their mother, is reluctant to take Christy in. He’s constantly in talks with a social worker to find him a new family to live with for the remaining time left he has before his birthday. 

With the countless families Christy has already lived with, this change of moving back to the council state he grew up in may be the breath of fresh air he’s been longing for. There are familiar faces around, some beaming with positivity that he’s returned. He makes friends straight away, fitting in with a group of locals right away. But there’s the not-so-nice lurking closer than he or Shane could imagine, making it not as easy to settle in.

An incredible breakthrough performance from newcomer Power is what really solidifies Christy as a must-see. He embodies the character of Christy as if he had gone on this rocky rollercoaster of various foster houses over the years, not just the character. Yet, whilst we see Christy down in the dumps, longing for a new beginning, there’s a real softness to how Power portrays him. He’s likeable, and as the narrative unfolds, you want him to receive his happily ever after; quite frankly, he deserves it. 

In fact, the entire ensemble, especially the group of kids Christy hangs around with, are all standouts. Jamie Forde as Robot, the comic relief of the film with countless witty one liners, is sensational. As the credits roll, an original song, fronted by Robot with the rest of the ensemble as back-up is performed; it’s a joyous way to end Christy. 

Coming of age films are many people’s indulgence, whether it be Lady Bird, Clueless or But I’m A Cheerleader. Christy offers a new perspective, one that not only focuses on a teenage boy, a contrast to many popular films of the sub-genre, but that follows the working class. Charlotte Regan’s Scrapper similarly explores themes of grief, estrangement and loneliness in an alike environment. It’s a refreshing atmosphere to see onscreen even if the topics at hand are sometimes tearjerking.

Christy had its UK Premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on 15 August, 2025 and will be screened again at the festival on 16-18 August. The film will be released in Irish cinemas on August 29, 2025 and in U.K. cinemas on September 5.