Irish Wish
Movie Trailer
Release Date
March 15, 2024
Genre
Fantasy Romantic Comedy
Cast & Crew
- Lindsay Lohan as Maddie Kelly
- Ed Speleers as James Thomas
- Alexander Vlahos as Paul Kennedy
- Ayesha Curry as Heather
- Elizabeth Tan as Emma Taylor
- Jane Seymour as Rosemary Kelly
- Jacinta Mulcahy as Olivia Kennedy
- Matty McCabe as Kory Kennedy
- Dawn Bradfield as Saint Brigid
- Maurice Byrne as Sean Kennedy
- James Rottger as Tom O’Callaghan
- Dakota Lohan as Finn
- Tim Landers as Murphy
- Rachel Benaissa as Allegra
- Rodrigo Ternevoy as Book Clerk
- Steve Hartland as Liam
- Carl Shaaban as Jay
- Vincent Moran as Bus Driver
- Charlie Hughes as Immigration Officer
Director
Janeen Damian
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- Falling for Christmas (2022)
- High Strung (2016)
- High Strung Free Dance (2018)
Producer
- Michael Damian
- Brad Krevoy
Writer
Kirsten Hansen
Budget
Not disclosed
Production Company
- Motion Picture Corporation of America
- Brad Krevoy Productions
Running Time
94 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG
Content Advisory
- Mild language
- Romantic themes
- Fantasy elements
- Light physical comedy
Movie Story
Irish Wish centers around Maddie Kelly (Lindsay Lohan), a book editor who has long harbored secret feelings for her friend and author Paul Kennedy. As fate would have it, Paul falls for Maddie’s best friend Emma, and they quickly become engaged, leaving Maddie heartbroken but determined to support their happiness. The wedding is set to take place in Ireland, and Maddie finds herself tagging along as a bridesmaid, despite her inner turmoil.
Upon arriving in Ireland, Maddie encounters a mysterious wishing stone during a solitary walk by a lake. In a moment of vulnerability, she makes a spontaneous wish, longing for the life she could have had with Paul. To her shock, her wish is granted, and she wakes up as the bride-to-be, now magically engaged to Paul. At first, Maddie is thrilled to have what she thought she always wanted, but soon, she realizes that this new reality is not as perfect as it seems.
Maddie’s dream turns into a series of comedic mishaps as she struggles to fit into the role of Paul’s fiancée. Her ineptitude at activities like bicycling and her discomfort with wearing the traditional family wedding dress create tension. Along the way, she reconnects with James Thomas (Ed Speleers), a wildlife photographer she met earlier in her trip. Despite the confusion and chaos, James begins to show Maddie what true love and compatibility look like.
As the wedding day approaches, Maddie is faced with a difficult decision. Does she go through with the wedding to Paul, who she has always loved, or does she follow her growing feelings for James? With the guidance of a mystical fairy who reveals herself to be Saint Brigid of Ireland, Maddie learns that sometimes what we wish for isn’t what we truly need. In a dramatic climax, Maddie realizes her heart belongs to James, and she breaks off the engagement to Paul, allowing him to marry Emma, his true love. Maddie and James share a heartfelt moment, and the film ends on a note of self-discovery and newfound love.
Special Effects
The film uses subtle visual effects to bring its magical elements to life, particularly in scenes involving the wishing stone and the appearances of Saint Brigid. The Irish landscapes are beautifully shot, adding a layer of enchantment to the story.
Box Office Performance
Irish Wish was released on Netflix and quickly climbed to the top of the streaming service’s most-watched films list, debuting at number one the day after its release. It also received a limited theatrical release, with screenings at the Bay Theater in Los Angeles. The film generated strong viewership, with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos praising its high completion rate and broad appeal.
Filming Locations
- Dublin, Ireland
- Wicklow, Ireland
- Westport, Ireland
- Lough Tay, Ireland
- Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
- Killruddery House, Ireland
Notable Quotes
- “Sometimes what you wish for isn’t what you really need.” – Saint Brigid
- “If you’re not the one at the altar, maybe it’s because you’re meant to be somewhere else.” – James Thomas
- “Love isn’t about who you think you should be with, it’s about who makes you feel at home.” – Maddie Kelly
Behind-the-Scenes
- Irish Wish marks Lindsay Lohan’s second project with Netflix, following her return to acting in Falling for Christmas (2022).
- The film was shot entirely on location in Ireland, with stunning scenery that plays a significant role in the film’s atmosphere.
- Lohan’s real-life brother, Dakota Lohan, makes a cameo appearance in the film, adding a personal touch to her performance.
- The soundtrack features music by Nathan Lanier, with contributions from Aliana Lohan, who provided two songs for the film.
Final Verdict
Irish Wish is a lighthearted and charming romantic comedy that showcases Lindsay Lohan’s enduring appeal. While the film follows a predictable formula, its enchanting setting, coupled with Lohan’s chemistry with co-star Ed Speleers, makes it an enjoyable watch. Fans of feel-good romances with a touch of magic will find Irish Wish to be a delightful escape.
IMDb Rating
5.2/10
Image Source: Netflix