Once Upon a Time in a Cinema is a 2026 comedy-drama written and directed by David Gleeson. Set in the 1980s, the film unfolds in real time during a single Friday night screening of the movie Breathless at a small-town Irish cinema. It follows the stressed owner, Earl Clancy (played by Colin Morgan), as he tries to keep his family's legacy alive.
Throughout the chaotic evening, Earl faces a nonstop wave of disasters, including burst water pipes, unruly patrons, a drunk projectionist, and a rat. At the same time, he must manage his rebellious teenage daughter and handle pressure from his brother to sell the theater to an outside investor amid the rising threat of VHS tapes. Despite the endless mishaps, the chaotic night ultimately transforms into a celebration of community spirit, highlighting how the local cinema serves as a vital gathering place for the town.
Official Trailer
