Principal photography has officially commenced in Ireland for The Weir, the highly anticipated feature film adaptation of Conor McPherson’s Laurence Olivier Award-winning play. McPherson returns to lead the project as both writer and director, bringing one of modern theatre’s most haunting and beloved works to the screen.
In a move that will delight fans of the source material, the film retains the powerhouse cast from the recent, critically acclaimed stage revival. The ensemble features Brendan Gleeson, Owen McDonnell, Seán McGinley, Kate Phillips, and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor. The stage production recently swept through awards season, earning nominations for Best Revival and Best Ensemble, with Gleeson securing Best Actor nods from both the Critics’ Circle and The Standard Theatre Awards.
Set within the weathered walls of a remote pub in rural Ireland, the story follows four local men—Jack, Brendan, Jim, and Finbar—as they gather for their nightly pints. Their familiar routine is disrupted by the arrival of Valerie, a newcomer from Dublin. In an attempt to impress and welcome her, the men begin trading eerie local folklore and ghostly tales.
However, the atmosphere shifts from supernatural curiosity to profound intimacy when Valerie shares the tragic, personal reason for her move to the countryside. Beyond its eerie premise, The Weir is a tender exploration of loneliness and the delicate human need for connection. It highlights how the act of shared storytelling serves as a vital bridge between isolated souls.
The production is a collaborative effort involving heavyweights such as Potboiler Productions, Landmark Productions, and Copper Alley Productions, with support from Screen Ireland and Curzon Film. McPherson’s previous cinematic work, including The Eclipse and Saltwater, has established him as a master of atmospheric storytelling, making this adaptation a significant event for British and Irish cinema.
Curzon and Break Out Pictures have already secured distribution rights for the UK and Ireland. As filming continues across the Irish landscape, The Weir promises to be a hauntingly beautiful translation of a stage masterpiece.
