Four Letters of Love appears to be about one thing but slowly reveals another deeply resonant theme. This soulful romantic drama, in the mold of Message in a Bottle, follows two winning young strangers fated to be brought together. As the father of the presumptive groom, Pierce Brosnan — still going strong post-Bond — embodies the film’s deeper meaning: What drives people to create? An unfulfilled civil servant, he experiences an almost religious epiphany to paint and rushes off to Western Ireland, enchantingly captured here. Brosnan is a highly regarded painter, and his fervor feels authentic. Gabriel Byrne, playing the young woman’s dad, struggles with a similar urge, in his case to compose poetry that is both lyrical and profound. As his wife, Helena Bonham Carter exudes warmth and understanding. Meanwhile, the young would-be lovers circle each other. Bonham Carter deserves credit for the idea of bringing the 1997 Irish bestseller of the same title to the screen. UK, Ireland 2025 (125 minutes)
Sponsored by
Gerry and Fran Schall
Steven Abbot and Jim Stephen
Playing as part of Mostly British Festival
This film can be used with loyalty cards or our 2026 annual CinemaSF passes