Trailer – Irish movie THE BRIGHTSIDE tackles a serious subject in a lighthearted way

It’s not easy to make a serious subject like cancer fun or lighthearted but director Ruth Meehan looks like she’s done a great job in this new movie inspired by Anne Gildea’s best-selling memoir I’ve Got Cancer, What’s Your Excuse? Meehan’s sister Alacoque died of cancer and this “dramedy” about the healing power of love, laughter and friendship is dedicated to “ Alacoque + Mago and warrior women everywhere”.

THE BRIGHT SIDE arrives in Irish cinemas on August 20th, and see’s Gemma-Leah Devereux play world-weary stand-up comedienne, Kate McLaughlin. We find her character in a dark place – she wants out, but her morbid prayers are answered in the form of a cancer diagnosis. To placate her family, she begrudgingly agrees to undergo chemotherapy. Armed with staggering levels of cynicism and a plethora of blackly comic jokes, Kate gets off to a bad start with four other women she encounters in the chemo ward; four women from all walks of Irish life, whose unsolicited friendships are perfectly designed to blow open her shut down heart.

WATCH THE FIRST TRAILER BELOW

Speaking on the upcoming release, Director Ruth Meehan said “It was an absolute joy to make such a personal film as The Bright Side. It has nurtured, inspired and entertained me in a dark time. I am delighted to have a chance to share it with Irish audiences on the big screen this summer where I hope it will do the same for them.”

THE BRIGHTSIDE Irish cinema release date is August 20th 2021