Intermission Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of Dubliners decide to sort out their messy love lives and petty grievances by robbing a bank, which naturally goes sideways, involving brown sauce, mustaches, and a kid with a penchant for throwing rocks at moving vehicles.

🍿 Intermission: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Break-Up and Repercussions

John breaks up with Deirdre, intending it as a ‘test’ of their relationship. The plan spectacularly backfires when Deirdre starts seeing Sam, a married bank manager, setting off a chain of interconnected events. John’s insecurity fuels a series of bad decisions, impacting everyone around him.

The Bank Robbery Plot

Enter Lehiff, a small-time criminal, who recruits John and Danny, a disgruntled bus driver, for a poorly planned bank robbery. Their target is the bank where Deirdre’s new lover, Sam, works, adding another layer of complication to the already chaotic situation. The robbery becomes intertwined with the characters’ personal dramas and comedic mishaps.

Detective Jerry Lynch’s Documentary

Detective Jerry Lynch, a corrupt and aggressive cop, is the subject of a documentary, adding a satirical element to the film. His pursuit of Lehiff and involvement with the botched robbery highlights the absurdity of law enforcement and the media’s sensationalized portrayal of crime. Lynch’s character embodies the darker comedic tones of the film.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John (Cillian Murphy): A desperately insecure man who initiates a break from his girlfriend, leading to a series of chaotic events.
• Deirdre (Kelly Macdonald): John’s ex-girlfriend, who becomes involved with an older, married man after their breakup.
• Lehiff (Colin Farrell): A violent and opportunistic criminal who instigates a robbery that intertwines with the other characters’ lives.
• Jerry Lynch (Colm Meaney): A tough and somewhat corrupt police detective, who is the subject of a documentary.
• Oscar (David Wilmot): John’s sex-obsessed friend who becomes involved with Sally and Maura.
• Sally (Shirley Henderson): Deirdre’s cynical sister, struggling with insecurity and loneliness, eventually finding a connection with Oscar.
• Mr. Henderson (Owen Roe): John’s pompous and disliked supermarket boss who becomes increasingly frustrated with his employee’s behavior.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lehiff: “I’m not a criminal, I’m a legend.” – Lehiff says this line with arrogance, reflecting his delusional self-image as a notorious figure in Dublin’s criminal underworld.
• Jerry Lynch: “I’m the best copper in Dublin, and that’s a fact.” – Asserted with self-importance, highlighting his inflated ego and relentless pursuit of fame.
• John: “I just needed an intermission.” – Explaining his confusing and ultimately misguided reasoning for breaking up with Deirdre.
• Sally: “I look like a Geography teacher.” – Sally says this when she hates how she looks, which highlights her insecurities about her appearance.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $896,993
• Worldwide Gross: $5,175,215

💥 Intermission Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed Intermission! The interwoven stories kept me guessing, and the dark humor had me laughing out loud. Cillian Murphy and Colin Farrell were brilliant, and Shirley Henderson was so funny. I loved the quick pace and how it captured the essence of Dublin life. The scene in the disco for older people was especially hilarious. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall it was a great watch! It is definetely one of my favourite Irish movies.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in Irish cinema”
  • “Those who appreciate ensemble casts”
  • “People who enjoy films with interconnected storylines”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief sexual content”
  • “Drug references”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “A darkly funny and well-crafted Irish film that delivers memorable scenes and interesting characters, though some viewers might find the accents difficult to decipher, subtitles are your friend.
• IMDB: “An excellent piece of entertainment that delivers on laughs and is definitely worth a watch. Great acting talent involved, witty script and original storyline makes it a must-see for fans of European cinema.
• IMDB: “An okay film with some humour that has a bunch of characters lives interwinding. All the acting is generally very good, particularly Farrel and Shirley Henderson. Overall the film is pretty good, a frantic comedy/drama/thriller, set in Ireland, should be better though.

Audience Reactions

The darkly humorous portrayal of ordinary Dublin life resonated strongly with viewers.: The film’s sharp wit and realistic characters were a major hit with audiences.

Viewers enjoyed the interwoven storylines and surprising connections between the characters.: The film’s complex narrative kept viewers engaged and invested in the characters’ fates.

Overall Consensus: A quirky and humorous Irish crime film with a strong cast and memorable characters, though some may find the accents challenging.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot on location in Dublin, Ireland, giving it a gritty and realistic feel.”
• “Several of the actors, including Cillian Murphy and Colin Farrell, were relatively unknown to international audiences at the time, but have since become major stars.”
• “The film’s soundtrack features a mix of Irish and international artists, reflecting the diverse influences on the characters’ lives.”
• “Director John Crowley made his feature film debut with Intermission, showcasing his talent for ensemble storytelling.”

🖥️ How to Watch Intermission?

Currently, ‘Intermission’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary depending on your region, so be sure to check your local listings for the most accurate information. Check JustWatch.com for all current streaming and rental options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Intermission, you might like these similar films:

• Trainspotting (1996): Features a similar ensemble cast of characters dealing with drugs and crime in a gritty urban environment.
• Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998): A British crime comedy with a fast-paced plot, quirky characters, and dark humor.
• The Guard (2011): Another Irish crime comedy with a dark sense of humor and a focus on eccentric characters.
• Pulp Fiction (1994): Features interconnected storylines, dark humor, and violence, influencing Intermission’s narrative style.

🛒 Intermission Related Products

• Guinness Official Merchandise Pint Glass – 20oz: Enjoy your favourite Irish stout in style with this high-quality Guinness pint glass, perfect for fans of Irish culture and cinema.
• Irish Pride: The Story of Irish Food and Cooking: Explore the rich culinary heritage of Ireland, perfect for those fascinated by the cultural nuances presented in ‘Intermission,’ including that Brown Sauce.
• Dubliners by James Joyce (Penguin Classics): A collection of short stories by James Joyce, capturing the essence of Dublin life, similar to the setting of ‘Intermission.’ Penguin Classics edition, renowned for its quality and insightful introduction.
• Celtic Music Collection: A compilation of traditional and modern Celtic music, perfect for setting the mood or exploring Irish cultural heritage, reflecting the film’s soundtrack influences.

🎧 Soundtrack

Intermission features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Out of Control” – performed by U2
• “I Fought the Law” – performed by Colin Farrell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Intermission – Opening Scene – Colin Farrell

Want to see how ‘Intermission’ kicks off? Check out this hilarious opening scene with Colin Farrell – it perfectly captures the movie’s quirky and chaotic vibe!

Intermission – Bown Sauce

Heard about the ‘Bown Sauce’ scene in Intermission? You HAVE to check this one out; it’s a short clip, but it’s honestly one of the funniest moments in the whole film.

✨ Rate