🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: David Freyne
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, LGBT
- Release year: 2020
- Runtime (length): 1h 32min
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10 (8.3K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two Irish teens pretend to date to avoid getting bullied, but they just end up confusing everyone, including themselves.
🍿 Dating Amber: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction and the Pact
In 1995 Ireland, Eddie and Amber, two closeted teenagers, face constant bullying for their perceived ‘otherness’. Eddie dreams of joining the army to follow in his father’s footsteps, while Amber aspires to escape their small town for the punk scene in London. To deflect suspicion and teasing, they decide to stage a fake relationship.

Navigating the Charade
As their fake relationship progresses, Eddie and Amber navigate the complexities of maintaining their facade while dealing with their own internal struggles. They attend social events together, display public displays of affection, and even involve their families in their charade. Despite the pretense, they develop a genuine friendship based on mutual support and understanding.

Exploring Their Identities
Their pact begins to strain as they explore their true identities. Amber embraces her lesbianism, finding solace and connection within Dublin’s LGBTQ+ scene. Eddie, however, remains resistant to acknowledging his homosexuality, clinging to his dream of joining the army and fearing his father’s rejection. The contrast in their journeys creates tension within their friendship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Eddie (Fionn O’Shea): A closeted gay teenager in 1990s Ireland struggling with his identity and societal expectations, who forms a fake relationship to fit in.
- Amber (Lola Petticrew): A confident lesbian teenager who proposes a pretend relationship with Eddie to avoid bullying and explore her identity.
- Hannah (Sharon Horgan): Eddie’s mother, who is dealing with marital problems and trying to understand her son.
- Ian (Barry Ward): Eddie’s father, a military man who unknowingly puts pressure on his son to follow in his footsteps.
- Jill (Simone Kirby): Amber’s mother, who is more accepting and understanding of her daughter’s desires and ambitions.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Amber: “I want vagina and you want cock, and that’s fundamentally incompatible.” – Amber states this frankly to Eddie when they discuss their arrangement and why they can’t genuinely date.
- Eddie: “I just want to fit in.” – Eddie expresses his primary motivation for the fake relationship, highlighting his internal struggle with his identity.
- Amber: “We’re on a smoke break!” – Amber says this in a defiant tone, when questioned for their sexuality. The quote captures the movie’s central theme of rebellion and standing up for oneself.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $87,071
💥 Dating Amber Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved Dating Amber! As someone who grew up in a similar time, I found it incredibly relatable and nostalgic. The scene where Amber and Eddie explore the gay scene in Dublin was particularly touching and made me reflect on my own journey of self-discovery. It’s a feel-good movie that also tackles important issues, and I highly recommend it!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
- “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ themes”
- “People who enjoy Irish cinema”
- “Audiences seeking heartwarming and thought-provoking dramas”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Bullying”
- “Homophobia”
- “Discussion of suicide”
- “Mild sexual content”
Professional Reviews
- Irish Film Critic: “Dating Amber captures the awkwardness and charm of coming-of-age in 90s Ireland. Fionn O’Shea and Lola Petticrew deliver outstanding performances, navigating the complexities of identity and friendship with humor and heart. A must-see for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming and relatable story.
- Indie Film Central: “While the plot treads familiar ground, Dating Amber shines through its authentic portrayal of teenage struggles and the power of genuine connection. The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance comedic moments with heartfelt drama, making it a truly enjoyable and thought-provoking watch.
Audience Reactions
The chemistry between the lead actors was amazing and made the movie so believable.: Viewers loved the film’s humor, heart, and accurate portrayal of teenage angst and self-discovery.
The soundtrack perfectly captured the 90s vibe and added to the film’s overall charm.: Many praised the film for its relatable characters and heartwarming storyline.
Overall Consensus: Dating Amber is a well-received coming-of-age story praised for its humor, heart, and relatable characters. It’s a feel-good movie that tackles important issues with sensitivity and charm.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is set in 1995, two years after the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ireland.”
- “The director, David Freyne, drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up gay in Ireland in the 1990s.”
- “Filming took place entirely in the Republic of Ireland, aiming for an authentic portrayal of the setting.”
- “The soundtrack features Britpop hits that defined the mid-90s era, adding to the film’s nostalgic feel.”
🖥️ How to Watch Dating Amber?
Currently, “Dating Amber” is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. You may also rent or purchase the movie through services like Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube. Check your local listings for cable and satellite on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Dating Amber, you might like these similar films:
- Love, Simon (2018): Both films depict the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ teenagers coming to terms with their identities and navigating high school.
- Sing Street (2016): Set in 1980s Dublin, it captures the awkwardness and hopefulness of adolescence against the backdrop of Irish society.
- Pride (2014): Explores themes of acceptance and solidarity during the 1980s, highlighting the alliance between LGBTQ+ activists and striking miners in the UK.
🛒 Dating Amber Related Products
- Dating Amber [Blu-ray]: Collector’s Edition Blu-ray featuring behind-the-scenes footage, director’s commentary, and exclusive interviews with the cast. A must-have for fans of the movie.
- Dating Amber – Official Movie Poster: High-quality print of the official Dating Amber movie poster. Perfect for decorating your room and showing off your love for the film.
- 90s Nostalgia Music Playlist: A curated playlist featuring the iconic music from Dating Amber and other hits from the 90s. Relive the era and enjoy the film’s amazing soundtrack.
- Dating Amber – Embroidered Patch Set: A set of three embroidered patches featuring iconic symbols and quotes from the film. Iron them onto your favorite jacket or bag to show off your love for Dating Amber.
🎧 Soundtrack
Dating Amber features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Cut Your Bangs” – performed by Girlpool
- “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” – performed by U2
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Dating Amber’ is a coming-of-age story set in 1995 Ireland, following two closeted teenagers who fake a relationship to avoid suspicion about their sexuality. It explores themes of friendship, identity, and self-acceptance in a conservative environment.
The movie was filmed entirely in the Republic of Ireland, capturing the essence of rural Irish towns and landscapes. Locations were chosen to reflect the story’s 1990s setting.
While ‘Dating Amber’ has comedic elements, it’s primarily a coming-of-age drama. It balances humor with serious themes of self-discovery, bullying, and the challenges of growing up LGBTQ+ in a restrictive society.
The film draws inspiration from the writer-director’s experiences growing up in Ireland and explores the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during the 1990s. While not strictly autobiographical, it incorporates elements of personal experience to create an authentic portrayal of the time period.
🔥 Bonus Content
Top 5 WLW Movies Streaming on Netflix in 2024
Looking for your next favorite sapphic film? This video highlights ‘Dating Amber’ alongside other great WLW movies on Netflix. It’s a quick and easy way to discover some gems if you’re in the mood for some heartwarming stories!
Amber & Sarah 🏳️🌈 | Dating Amber (Lesbian Movie)
Obsessed with Amber and Sarah’s relationship in ‘Dating Amber’? Then you have to check out this fan-made video showing their sweetest moments together. It’s a short and sweet reminder of what made their connection so special!
Top 10 WLW Movies of 2024
Curious where ‘Dating Amber’ ranks among other WLW films? This video includes it in a top 10 list, so give it a watch to see what other great movies you might enjoy if you liked ‘Dating Amber’!
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