‘Girls & Boys’ review: A Dublin meet-cute takes a darker turn in promising Irish debut

Dir/scr: Donncha Gilmore. Ireland. 2025. 85mins.

In its initial stages, Girls & Boys casts a Before Sunrise-like glow of romantic possibilities as another young couple seem set to talk the night away. A risky change of gear shifts it towards a more ambitious exploration of the rules of attraction, and who gets to decide them. Donncha Gilmore’s debut feature has a tender regard for its imperfect characters and boasts performances that encourage investment in the fate of the central couple. There are also echoes of Sean Baker’s work and an engaging indie vibe that could tempt a younger audience in search of an unconventional romance. Breakout Pictures will release in Ireland later in 2025, following a world premiere at Galway.

Donncha Gilmore makes good on the promise shown in past shorts

Writer/director Gilmore has previously impressed with a range of shorts that stretches from the Irish-language musical Bonsoir Luna (2015) to horror yarn The Banshee (2019). In Girls & Boys, the filmmaker shows a sure touch in handling of mood and performance. Gilmore also deceives us into assuming this might be a conventional opposites-attract tale as Trinity College Dublin students Charlie (Liath Hannon) and Jace (Adam Lunnon-Collery) meet-cute in the library.

The couple seem worlds apart and yet there is a connection. Charlie is trans and an aspiring filmmaker with a fondness for gothic horror. Jace is a straight-arrow rugby player studying business. He seems to exist in a world of locker-room banter and laddish boasting, but Gilmore hints he does not quite fit any mindless macho stereotype. His boorish teammate Mark (Oisin Flynn) provides the contrast to his gentler nature.

Charlie and Jace meet again at a gloomy Halloween party in an abandoned house. Charlie’s Super 8 vampire romp is projected on the walls, giving Jace an opportunity to see her work (Super 8 footage is used throughout to vary the visual palette). The two are thrown together again and begin a serious conversation in which they start to reveal some of their insecurities. Lunnon-Collery captures a sense of Jace as someone slightly uncomfortable in his skin, stumbling through awkward silences and desperate not to cause offence. Hannon’s Charlie is a more steely figure, wary of opening herself to disappointment and yet clearly drawn to Jace. The pair shows an ease and maturity in their performances that mark them out as talents to watch. 

The night progresses as the duo venture into town, sharing confidences and reluctant to head their separate ways. Halloween fireworks burst in the night sky and Dublin takes on a fairytale feel with its blurry neon signs, romantic bridges and rowdy characters. A soundtrack of Irish artists including Echo Northstar, New Dad and Banrion add to the ethereal atmosphere.

Just when you think you have the film figured out, Gilmore introduces a twist that sets the story on a darker path. The film takes a little while to regain its momentum and re-assert its charm. The twist opens up the story to explore interesting questions around who we choose to love, and how we resist the pressure to conform and settle for less than the heart desires. While a brief running time leaves the viewer wanting a little more, Girls & Boys nevertheless charms and engages, encouraging audiences to take a leap of faith and allowing Gilmore to make good on the promise shown in past shorts.