Synopsis
Two middle aged brothers and their respective children travel to Ireland to play the Finnegan family’s annual golf outing, where they distribute the ashes of the family patriarch.
Source: golfersjournal.com (a great interview with director Ed Burns.)
“Edward Burns makes his return to Tribeca with the first of his films to be shot and produced abroad, a sports comedy focusing on a family of Irish American golf aficionados. Burns plays Freddy Finnegan, the younger (and in his opinion less favoured) son of legendary golf pro Jack Finnegan (Ian McElhinney). When Jack suddenly dies during the family golf tournament, it’s left to Freddy, his brother Teddy (Brian d’Arcy James) and each of their respective children to return to their patriarch’s homeland and carry out his final wishes: To have his ashes spread across his favourite places in Ireland and for them to carry on the Finnegan’s Cup tournament in his honor.” Cara Cusumano (for Tribeca Festival)
Reviews & Interviews
AwardsBuzz’s Sari Cohen chats with Brian d’Arcy James about Finnegan’s Foursome – YouTube
Edward Burns’ Spiky-Quaint Sports Dramedy Is a Tale of Family Therapy Through Golf – The director-star of “The Brothers McMullen” is well-preserved, and so is his scrappy-sentimental ’90s indie filmmaking style. Variety
“James, on the other hand, is just one of those actors who is just such a joy to watch. His Teddy is just so relaxed, a go-with-the-flow type who lets his brother’s insults bounce off of him. He doesn’t even care that he always comes in last, because he realizes these competitions are about more than victory.” rogerebert.com
“I don’t have much affinity for golf, but as much as Finnegan’s Foursome is clearly invested with a love of the game, you don’t need to share it to lock into this story. Burns understands that sports movies work because, as with action movies, playing the game is just an opportunity to reveal character. And that’s what’s really on offer here: a character-driven family dramedy about a group of generally likable people working through their issues to grow closer together. Sometimes, it’s enough to sit with a movie that promises, and delivers, a nice time.” ScreenRant
Updates:
- Finnegan’s Foursome had its world premier at the Tribeca Festival on Sunday, 7 June 2026 and will be available to rent or buy from 19 June 2026.
- The film was classified by the BBFC on 29 May 2025. The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) only issues a rating when they have received a finished version, or very close to final cut, of the film. May not be getting a theatrical release, in the UK at least. The BBFC’s classification is for Home Entertainment only – “Use: VOD/Streaming”.