Ronan Power embarks on a cinematic pilgrimage in his review of 500 Miles.
Two brothers, Charlie (Dexter Sol Ansell) and Finn (Roman Griffin Davis) quietly decide to run away from the turmoil and unhappiness of their fractured family life. They escape their home in England to seek refuge with their grandfather (Bill Nighy) in Dingle on the west coast of Ireland. With their parents heading for divorce, the boys fear they will soon be separated. Their grandfather was estranged after a traumatic event in the past, but memories of life with their grandparents and holidays on Ireland’s west coast remain precious to them. By embarking on this life-changing journey, these brothers hope to rekindle the warmth of those happier times and perhaps find a way to stay together as siblings.
This is a road movie, and an exploration of youth with a distinctive charm. Echoing the wholesome adventure of films like Flight of the Doves and Into the West, the plot follows the Charlie and Finn as they encounter a series of innocent, often hilarious obstacles en route to their destination. Their adventure takes them across land and sea by any means available, including buses, ferries, horses and boats. The story is cleverly interwoven with flashbacks to more joyful memories, made during family holidays in the idyllic coastal village, playing on the beach or helping their grandfather with his latest schemes. Yet, lurking just out of view is the mysterious event that brought those joyful times to an abrupt end.
Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit) delivers a powerful performance as the teenage brother Finn, while Dexter Sol Ansell (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms) shines as the younger sibling, Charlie. Their feuding parents are played by Clare Dunne (Herself) and Michael Socha (This Is England), and Nighy gives an outstanding performance as a man who has lost everything and believes he has nothing left to live for. His portrayal in particular is deeply moving and heartfelt. Maisie Williams also deserves special mention for her role, one key character who helps the boys with their voyage, all while delivering a remarkably convincing Dublin accent.
Written by Malcolm Campbell and directed by Morgan Matthews, this is a powerful and memorable film. The story unfolds at an engaging pace, expertly edited with just the right number of flashbacks to show how far the characters have fallen from their once-happy lives. The cinematography captures Dingle in breathtaking fashion, with sweeping drone shots and spectacular coastal vistas. The soundtrack, composed by 24-year-old Jamie Duffy, is a vital element of the film, beautifully reflecting the emotional lives of the characters while perfectly complementing the stunning visuals. The score stands as an impressive composition.
During the Q&A following the film’s premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival, the cast and filmmakers spoke warmly about their experience filming in Dingle. Bill Nighy amused the audience by revealing that his first love was an Irish girl and that he was now the proud owner of “a shiny new Irish passport.” With a mischievous wink, he adds that he was slightly concerned about Ireland having just endured fifty-four consecutive days of rain, prompting laughter from the crowd.
This is a story that will break your heart and gently piece it back together again, a mix of moments that are moving and warmly humorous. Above all, 500 Miles is a story about family, forgiveness and the importance of moving forward. Life is short, and this may well leave you wanting to book a trip to Dingle as soon as possible.
500 Miles had its world premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival on 27th February 2026.
