Cherrybomb Reviews from the RGN Staff

Lorena's Review - Berlin International Film Festival

"The film opens and closes with Malachy. Malachy's bruised and bandaged eyes appear on the screen and we close with him staring. What happens in between these frames is a film about the complexities that come along with growing up, trying to be cool, getting the girl, and having friendships tested. Directing team Glenn Leyburn & Lisa Barros D'Sa have put together a great example of a dark teen film taken seriously."

Lauren's Review - Dublin International Film Festival

"The film was bleak, upsetting, touching and hopeful and a perfect summer film for drifting teenagers who can actually think. All three central performances were extraordinary, particularly the two boys. Seeing it in Ireland was a very special experience, with the audience enjoying every moment, gasping during the final scene until there was no oxygen left in the building, then running with whispers on the way out about the purity of Rupert's Belfast accent."

Barbs' Review - Belfast International Film Festival

"Most movies about Northern Ireland seem to have a running theme of 'the troubles', politics and religion, but here many stereotypes were successfully cast off, and a new identity created. 'A New Belfast' is how Cherrybomb was described by both Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn in the post-Cherrybomb Q&A session, and rightly so. And while none of the usual prejudices which are normally present in our local cinema were part of the plot, there were many other themes ready to fill their shoes."