Wildfire, the acclaimed Irish drama starring Nora-Jane Noone and the late Nika McGuigan, is now streaming for the free in the UK. The film centres around two sisters, Lauren and Kelly, who are reunited after one’s sudden disappearance from home.
Set in post-Troubles Northern Ireland, the drama sees the pair exploring their late mother’s tragic past, uncovering long-buried secrets that strain their bond. Old wounds are reopened, causing tension and complications between the girls.
Written and directed by Cathy Brady, Wildfire was released back in 2020, and served as her very first feature film. It was added to Channel 4’s streaming service earlier this week, and is available to watch for free (with ads) until 26 September.
Modern Films//Channel 4
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In addition to Noone and McGuigan, the cast includes Game of Thrones’ Kate Dickie and Blue Lights star Martin McCann. McGuigan sadly died from bowel cancer at the age of 33 in 2019, with the actor posthumously winning Best Actress at the 2021 IFTA Awards.
Acclaimed upon release, Wildfire currently boasts a near-perfect approval rating of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes from 43 reviews. Critics praised the drama for its authentic and poignant narrative, as well as the “incredible” performances.
“Wildfire is a powerful 85 minutes filled with great complexity and some potent visual flourishes that emerge from the understated direction,” wrote Common Sense Media, while Mark Kermode called it “haunting, ambient and very impressive”.
Critics also highlighted Brady’s directorial vision, with The Observer writing: “Savagely powerful, directed with an unshowy but acute eye, this is a terrific feature debut from the writer and director Cathy Brady.”
Modern Films
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Film Ireland Magazine echoed this sentiment, writing: “Wildfire is an arresting drama that burns and melts with incredible performances and establishes Cathy Brady as a visionary feature director.”
“Brady makes her story feel fresh, alive, and specific, simmering with just-out-of-reach-dread,” noted IndieWire, while Sight & Sound opined that the film was “carried by the performances of its leads”.
Wildfire is streaming now on Channel 4.
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