“Lemonade” – An Irish Feature About Care, First Love and Second Chances

“Lemonade,” the narrative debut of documentary filmmaker Kim Bartley, follows teenage Danny, a Dublin youth whose mistake threatens his future. When he unexpectedly reunites with Josh—a social worker who once tried to help him but whose own errors caused a rift—Josh becomes both mentor and mirror, guiding Danny toward manhood, first love, and the realization that family can be chosen rather than inherited. The story is set against the backdrop of Ireland’s care system and emphasizes the power of human connection.

Variety Magazine

The low-budget feature was shot earlier this year in Dublin and is a co-production between Underground Films and Rocliffe Productions, in association with Play House Studios and with participation from Coimisiún na Meán. Screen Ireland provided support. Colm Hogan handled cinematography, Paul Mullen edited, Tamara Conboy designed production elements, and Louise Stanton created costumes. Sound oversight was provided by John Brennan, Daniel Bodsworth, Rob Hughes and Mark Langlay-Smith, while the original score was composed by Siôn Trefor, Ioana Selaru and Galia Arad.

Variety Magazine

Lewis Brophy leads as Danny, bringing recent acclaim from the Berlinale-prized “Christy.” Barry Keoghan appears as Josh and also serves as an executive producer through his company Wolfcub, which previously opened the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes with “Butterfly Jam.” The supporting ensemble includes Carla Tous, Eileen Walsh and Imelda May. Executive producers alongside Bartley are Geraldine East, Niamh Fagan, Desmond Byrne, Lorcan Kavanagh, Peg Cafferty, Deepak Sikka, Mark Foligno and Sire Ramos.

Variety Magazine

Keoghan has noted that “Lemonade” contains moments that feel “to-the-bone,” reflecting his own upbringing as a foster child in Dublin and making the project personally emotional. The film’s development aligns with a broader push by Irish screen bodies to spotlight stories emerging from the nation’s care system, positioning “Lemonade” as both a creative endeavor and a socially resonant work.

Variety Magazine