You’ve probably heard the buzz about "A Date for Mad Mary," or maybe you just caught a clip of Seána Kerslake looking absolutely livid in a tracksuit and wondered what the hell was going on. On the surface, it looks like your typical "girl-gets-out-of-jail" indie flick. It’s got the gritty Irish backdrop, the foul-mouthed protagonist, and a plot centered around a wedding. But honestly, if you go into it expecting a standard romantic comedy, you’re going to be surprised. It’s way more than that. It’s a gut punch.
The movie actually first hit the screens back on September 2, 2016, in Ireland, after making a splash at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July of that year. People still search for the release details because it has that timeless, cult-classic feel that makes it pop up on streaming "hidden gem" lists every few months.
Why A Date for Mad Mary Still Matters
Most people think this is a movie about a girl trying to find a guy to take to a wedding. That’s the "hook," sure. Mary McArdle—"Mad Mary" to everyone in Drogheda—gets out of Mountjoy Prison after a six-month stint for an assault she’d rather not talk about. She’s the maid of honor for her best friend Charlene’s wedding. The problem? Charlene (played with a perfect "frenemy" chill by Charleigh Bailey) didn't give her a plus-one. Why? Because she assumed Mary couldn't find a date.
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Ouch.
Mary, being Mary, decides to prove her wrong. She joins a dating agency. She goes on these hilariously awkward, soul-crushing dates. But here’s the thing: the movie isn't really about the dates. It’s about the devastating realization that while Mary was locked away, the world—and her best friend—moved on without her.
The Real Heart of the Story
Director Darren Thornton, who adapted this from Yasmine Akram’s monologue play 10 Dates with Mad Mary, does something really smart here. He doesn't make Mary a saint. She’s abrasive. She’s violent. She’s "kinda" a lot to handle. But Seána Kerslake plays her with such raw, wounded-puppy vulnerability that you can't help but root for her.
The film was shot over 28 days in Dublin and Drogheda in late 2014. You can feel that cold, damp Irish winter air in every frame. It adds to the sense of isolation. When Mary meets Jess (Tara Lee), the wedding photographer, the movie shifts. It’s not a "find a man" story anymore. It becomes a story about first love and, more importantly, about the death of a childhood friendship.
What the Critics Got Right (And Wrong)
When it won Best Film at the IFTAs (Irish Film & Television Academy awards) in 2017, some critics called it a "coming-of-age" story. That’s a bit of a cliché, isn't it? Mary is already in her twenties. It’s more of a "coming-to-terms" story.
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- The Wedding Speech: Throughout the movie, we hear Mary rehearsing her speech in voiceover. She talks about Charlene’s love for brown sauce and the true color of her eyes. It’s heartbreaking because you realize Mary knows the "old" Charlene better than anyone, but the "new" Charlene doesn't want that version of herself anymore.
- The Soundtrack: There’s no overbearing, manipulative score. It uses music naturally—Jess is a musician, after all. The moments of silence are actually more powerful.
- The Violence: The film doesn't shy away from what Mary did. There’s a scene where she comes face-to-face with the girl she assaulted. It’s quiet. It’s awkward. It’s real. It doesn't offer an easy "I'm sorry" resolution.
A Quick Look at the Stats
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Director | Darren Thornton |
| Lead Actress | Seána Kerslake |
| Running Time | 82 minutes |
| Original Play | 10 Dates with Mad Mary by Yasmine Akram |
| Major Award | Best Film (IFTA 2017) |
The "Mad Mary" Legacy
What really happened with the movie after its release? It basically launched Seána Kerslake’s career. Before this, she was a relative unknown, but her performance here is often compared to a young Natasha Lyonne or even Toni Collette in Muriel’s Wedding. She has this way of expressing everything with just a twitch of her lip.
The movie is a "must-watch" if you’ve ever felt like the odd one out in your own life. It’s for anyone who has realized their "best friend forever" might actually just be a "best friend for that specific time in my life." It’s tough, it’s tender, and it’s deeply Irish without being a caricature.
How to Watch and What to Look For
If you’re planning to finally sit down and watch it, keep an eye on the costume design. Notice how Mary stays in her baggy hoodies and jeans—her "time capsule" from before prison—while Charlene has moved on to "business casual" and wedding planners. It’s a subtle visual cue of how far apart they’ve drifted.
Next Steps for the Fan:
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- Watch the Original Inspiration: Check out Yasmine Akram’s work. She’s the one who wrote the monologue the movie is based on.
- Follow the Cast: Seána Kerslake went on to do great things in Can't Cope, Won't Cope.
- Visit the Locations: If you’re ever in Ireland, Drogheda is one of the oldest towns in the country and has a very specific, beautiful grit that the movie captures perfectly.
Honestly, just go see it. It’s only 82 minutes. It’s faster than a gym session and way more emotional. You’ll laugh, you’ll probably cringe at the dating scenes, and if you’re human, you’ll feel that sting of a friendship fading away. It’s the real deal.