The film was shot in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland, then the action expands to London, Ireland, and Malta to tell a story about the reunion of three estranged childhood friends after a sudden death. The camera often uses recognizable streets, hotels, churches, and coastal views to contrast public facades with a private story, while maintaining a tone in the genre of dark comedy-drama.

Filming Locations:

Blackfriars Bridge

In the Movie

Scene where Saoirse leaves the restaurant, and the narrative shifts to a street-level 'London' rhythm, where the river and bridge serve as an unmistakable urban landmark for a transitional moment before the story returns to Belfast.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Blackfriars Bridge on the River Thames, using the actual South Bank/City of London embankment to stage the exit scene, which instantly reads as central London thanks to the bridge profile and riverside movement. This location, with its characteristic view of the Thames and architecture, convincingly conveyed the capital's atmosphere without the need for complex sets, emphasizing the dynamics of urban life.

Harbourview Hotel

In the Movie

Scene where the 'Knockdara' hotel is shown as the group's main base, with arrivals and interior scenes played around the entrance and reception desk to support conversations, regrouping, and the practical logistics of the trip.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough, a real 19th-century coastal hotel used for the exterior and reception areas of the 'Knockdara' hotel. Its location on the harbor front helped create a sense of a small seaside town, which was important for maintaining the narrative's atmosphere. The choice of an authentic location with history added extra depth and realism to the scenes.

Ardglass Harbour Sign

In the Movie

Scene where the 'Welcome to Knockdara' moment and panoramic town views serve as a clear arrival sign, using the harbor backdrop to give the fictional village a plausible coastal identity and easily readable geography.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Ardglass Harbour and its coastal viewpoints, a working fishing village on the east coast of County Down, which served as the basis for creating the image of 'Knockdara', including the welcome sign and wide panoramic town views. This location, with its authentic atmosphere and scenic landscapes, helped convincingly convey the character of the fictional coastal settlement.

Lyric Theatre Belfast

In the Movie

Scene where the BAFTA reception unfolds as a controlled, high-status gathering where characters must maintain composure in public, allowing the plot to place personal tension in a professional, carefully organized environment with social pressure.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Lyric Theatre Belfast, a modern performance venue on the River Lagan near Queen's University. It serves as the space for the BAFTA reception, offering a clean, contemporary interior suitable for a formal industry event. This location perfectly underscores the importance of the event, creating an atmosphere of prestige and formality necessary for the scene. The choice of a modern hall allowed for the desired visual contrast with other parts of the story.

Mamore Gap

In the Movie

Scene where the friends drive past a small roadside shrine on a remote stretch, and the sharp road bends and open views heighten the sense of vulnerability, making the stop feel exposed and emotionally charged without needing explanation through dialogue.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Mamore Gap on the Inishowen Peninsula, a steep, winding mountain pass in County Donegal known for its wide coastal views. The roadside stop with a small shrine uses the real landscape to add a sense of isolation and unease, which fits perfectly into the overall atmosphere of tension and uncertainty in the plot.