Synopsis

In 1960 a young Irish woman named Edna O’Brien wrote a sexually frank debut novel, The Country Girls. She became a literary sensation, writing for The New Yorker, delivering provocative interviews, and authoring screenplays. Her success enraged her writer husband and made her a pariah in her native Ireland,
where her books were banned and burned. She would make her home in London, where she conducted numerous love affairs, hosted star-studded parties, and made and lost a fortune. In July 2024, Edna passed away and this film provides a final testimony from her, aged 93, as she reflects upon her extraordinary life for filmmaker Sinéad O’Shea’s camera.

Critics Views

You could say it’s impossible to make a poor documentary about the writer Edna O’Brien as she’s never said or done anything uninteresting in her life. Point a camera and we’re away. But Sinead O’Shea’s Blue Road… is especially rewarding.
The Guardian

Narrated by Jessie Buckley from O’Brien’s diaries and memoir, this film shows that you can be as tough as nails and vulnerable at the same time.”
RTE

All in all, this portrayal of one woman’s life, both public and private but all from a literary standpoint, is intimate, heartfelt, insightful and rewarding.
Film Ireland Magazine

Film Rating

IMDb
 Critics: N/A%  Audience 80%

Rotten Tomatoes
Critics positive review 100%   Audience Liked It N/A%

 Stockbridge Audience Score: 93%

Audience Comments

Superb, just superb.
A poignant and beautiful exploration of the life of one of our greatest authors
A rich and moving film which illustrated very powerfully the constraints of growing up in Ireland in the mid twentieth century. It was fascinating to see how O’Brien challenged the norms of that society and how she navigated her way through life as a single and self supporting woman.
Very interesting to see her life story.
Fascinating and poignant compilation of a brave woman fighting shocking social and religious misogyny.
Moving and inspiring
“An excellent subject whose story was told sympathetically and vividly .
The historical perspective was also also well represented. We feel renewed respect for our own amazing mothers whose struggles we little appreciate. They did well to raise different daughters!!!! Thank you for showing this film. Now to get reading her back catalogue!!!! ”
Amazing character and author, brilliant documentary.
Amazing collection of films of the author’s long and well documented life. An extraordinary rebel and self publicist but not warm, caring or likeable. I’m glad to have seen this excellent piece of research but don’t feel compelled to read her !
A wonderful story told beautifully.
Amazing collection of memories and well put together, courageous woman.
Blew us away
challenging and original, deeply moving, accurate reflection Irish catholic church
Interesting, strong, though quite cold woman. Didn’t like the graininess of many of the video & images. The use of the frame for repetitive images was irritating.
cinematographically beautiful, gives understanding to Edna O’Brien + books
Really informative, interesting and moving. Beautifully shot and narrated too.