🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Neil Jordan
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Release year: 2005
- Runtime (length): 2h 8min
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10 (25K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A flamboyant Irish trans woman searches for her long-lost mother while accidentally becoming a terrorist and somehow maintaining a relentlessly positive attitude.
🍿 Breakfast on Pluto: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Early Life and Identity
Patrick ‘Kitten’ Braden is abandoned as a baby on the doorstep of Father Liam in 1970s Ireland. Growing up in a foster home, Patrick embraces his trans identity, causing friction in his conservative community. From a young age, Kitten is determined to live authentically despite the societal challenges.

Journey to London
Driven by a desire to find his biological mother, Kitten leaves Ireland for London. The city presents a series of colorful yet challenging experiences, including involvement with a rock band and brushes with the IRA. These experiences expose Kitten to both the vibrancy and the dangers of 1970s London.

Life in London and Self-Discovery
In London, Kitten navigates various jobs and encounters, including working in a peep show and facing accusations related to IRA activities. Despite hardships, Kitten’s optimism and resilience shine as she continues her search for her mother and a sense of belonging. This period is marked by both vulnerability and surprising strength.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Patrick ‘Kitten’ Braden (Cillian Murphy): A young trans woman who leaves her Irish town to find her mother and explore her gender identity in 1970s London.
- Father Liam (Liam Neeson): The town priest who cares for Kitten after she is abandoned and secretly struggles with his past.
- Charlie (Ruth Negga): Kitten’s close friend who faces hardships and forms a strong bond with her.
- Ma Braden (Ruth McCabe): Kitten’s foster mother who initially struggles to accept Kitten’s gender identity.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Patrick ‘Kitten’ Braden: “If I wasn’t a transvestite terrorist, would you marry me?” – A whimsical question posed by Kitten, blending humor with the turbulent backdrop of her life.
- Patrick ‘Kitten’ Braden: “Sometimes, you just have to go with your fantasies.” – Kitten’s personal philosophy, guiding her decisions and shaping her unique worldview.
- Father Liam: “God has a plan for you, Patrick.” – Father Liam acknowledging Kitten’s differences while trying to provide guidance.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $17,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $828,699
- Worldwide Gross: $3,942,254
💥 Breakfast on Pluto Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this film and being completely mesmerized by Cillian Murphy’s performance. It was like watching a dream unfold, full of both beauty and heartbreaking moments. The way the film blended humor and tragedy was so unique, and it really stuck with me. There’s this scene where Kitten is just unapologetically herself, dancing in a club, and it’s such a powerful moment of self-acceptance.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Cillian Murphy”
- “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ stories”
- “Those who enjoy coming-of-age dramas”
- “People interested in Irish cinema and culture”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Themes of gender identity”
- “Brief scenes of violence”
- “Mature language”
- “References to IRA activities”
Professional Reviews
- IMDB: “Cillian Murphy gives a bravura performance as Patrick ‘Kitten’ Braden. Murphy oozes sensual vitality and is a world class flirt, but he’s also genuinely kind and compassionate toward everybody. Neil Jordan returns to exactly the same intertwined themes that marked ‘Crying Game’: the armed struggle of Northern Irish Catholics against the British Crown and gender bending.
- IMDB: “Murphy’s portrayal of Kitten is flawless. He communicates Kitten’s seamless connection with femininity by himself revealing nothing false about his own transformation into this character. We cease to see Kitten as a ‘man’ or to define his ‘gender’ and instead see Kitten’s feelings and longings – which are exactly like our own. He becomes familiar, comfortable. We would not begrudge Kitten being happy, ever.
- IMDB: “This film is about a transvestite on one level, but it is also a lot more: it’s about, belonging, being, loving and being loved. What could have been a one-dimensional caricature becomes a three dimensional movie in the hands of a good director. The film does not shy away from the Irish-English conflict, either, and the prejudice directed against ‘Paddy’ is appalling, reminiscent of ‘In the Name of the Father.’
Audience Reactions
Cillian Murphy’s performance as Kitten is transformative and captivating.: Viewers praised the film’s blend of comedy and tragedy, as well as the strong performances from the cast.
The film’s soundtrack perfectly captures the 1970s vibe and adds to the emotional impact.: Many found the film’s storyline unique and touching, despite the heavy themes it tackles.
Overall Consensus: Breakfast on Pluto is a polarizing but thought-provoking film, praised for Cillian Murphy’s performance and its unique blend of comedy and tragedy, though some find it overly whimsical or disjointed.
Awards
- Irish Film & Television Award (Best Actor in a Lead Role)- 2006
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Patrick McCabe, who also co-wrote the screenplay with director Neil Jordan.”
- “Cillian Murphy spent time with trans women to prepare for his role, aiming to portray Kitten with authenticity and respect.”
- “The soundtrack features a blend of 1970s pop hits and original music, reflecting the film’s vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere.”
🖥️ How to Watch Breakfast on Pluto?
Currently, ‘Breakfast on Pluto’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital movie retailers. Check your local listings for availability through cable providers or streaming services that offer movie rentals.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Breakfast on Pluto, you might like these similar films:
- The Crying Game (1992): Also directed by Neil Jordan, explores themes of gender, identity, and the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
- Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001): Features a gender-bending protagonist on a journey of self-discovery through music and performance.
- Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994): Celebrates self-expression and finding family in an unconventional community.
- Velvet Goldmine (1998): Captures the glam rock era with explorations of identity, sexuality, and artistic expression.
🛒 Breakfast on Pluto Related Products
- Breakfast on Pluto [Blu-ray]: Experience Breakfast on Pluto in high-definition with this Blu-ray edition. Includes special features, commentary, and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Breakfast on Pluto (Soundtrack): Relive the iconic 1970’s moments and nostalgia with the Breakfast on Pluto soundtrack. Great for fans of retro music and film scores.
- Breakfast on Pluto (Novel) by Patrick McCabe: Delve deeper into the story of Kitten with the original novel that inspired the film. Explore the nuances and details that didn’t make it to the screen.
- 70’s Retro Fashion Costume Set: Embrace the 70’s style and recreate Kitten’s iconic looks, with a colorful vintage dress and accessories.
🎧 Soundtrack
Breakfast on Pluto features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Sugar Baby Love” – performed by The Rubettes
- “Windmills of Your Mind” – performed by Dusty Springfield
- “Madame George” – performed by Van Morrison
- “Cypress Avenue” – performed by Van Morrison
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Breakfast on Pluto’ is a coming-of-age story about Patrick ‘Kitten’ Braden, a young trans woman in 1970s Ireland and London. It follows Kitten’s journey to find her mother and her place in the world, amidst societal challenges and personal struggles.
The movie was primarily filmed in Ireland, specifically in Callan, County Kilkenny, which served as Patrick ‘Kitten’ Braden’s hometown. Additional filming locations included parts of the United Kingdom.
Yes, ‘Breakfast on Pluto’ is based on the novel of the same name by Irish author Patrick McCabe. Neil Jordan co-wrote the screenplay adaptation.
🔥 Bonus Content
cillian murphy singing in his films (compilation)
Did you know Cillian Murphy can sing? This compilation features him singing in various films, including a good bit from ‘Breakfast on Pluto’! It’s surprisingly good, and definitely adds another layer to appreciate his talent.
A mother abandoned her son and years later met him in the form of a girl
Confused about the plot of ‘Breakfast on Pluto’? This recap breaks it down in under 20 minutes! It hits all the main beats of this eccentric film.
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