Mallow actor cherishes role in film that shines a light on parenthood

Mallow actor cherishes role in film that shines a light on parenthood

Sunphlowers is a new Irish film, produced on a small budget, but making a big impact.

The film, written and directed by Dave Byrne, stars Anne McCrudden and Patrick Bergin, with Cork actor Abigail O’Regan playing a significant role as Eva, a daughter trying to keep her family together in the aftermath of her father’s death.

The film’s focus is on McCrudden’s character Catherine, whose life is turned upside down by the sudden death of her husband.

While Catherine falls to pieces initially, it is up to Eva to hold the family together.

O’Regan says she was instantly drawn to the script.

“I read the script in 2024 and had the opportunity to audition. I really loved the story of Catherine and her journey,” she said.

“I felt like it was a story of redemption, in a way. The relationship between Eva and Catherine felt heartbreaking and beautiful, and they go on a really lovely journey, which was the draw for me.”

O’Regan says that as the only daughter in her family, she could identify with her character.

“I really admired Eva as a character. I felt a kinship with her. I’m also the only daughter in my family, and I know the responsibility that role entails within the family unit.

“I am used to being the one who is on hand and to help out.”

Early in the film, we learn that Eva’s father was not the man she thought he was, as Catherine deals with the fall-out from a long-held secret.

There is a deeply moving scene where Eva, who has held herself together for the sake of her mother and siblings, finally lets her grief out. O’Regan says this scene illustrates the complex and varied relationships children have with each of their parents.

“It is a really beautiful scene, and it really highlights that the relationships you can have with each parent can be quite different and how the relationships your parents have together can change your relationship with one or the other,” she said.

“There might be feelings of guilt or conflict, where you might feel like you need to pick a side.

“That scene portrayed the confusion and conflict that a relationship with your parents can cause, as well as the relief that comes from talking about it.”

The Mallow actor says getting the chance to work with the legendary actor Patrick Bergin was a privilege and an excellent opportunity to learn.

“Patrick is the most incredible gentleman. He brought not only an atmosphere of professionalism, but he was just a joy to have around,” said O’Regan.

“There wasn’t a day on set with him that we weren’t in the dressing room singing and laughing.

“It was wonderful to witness him perform. It was such a privilege as a young actor to see such a legend transform into his character every day.”

O’Regan began performing with Centre Stage School Mallow at an early age and had planned to have a career in musical theatre, but the pandemic sent her down a different path.

“I did musical theatre with Centre Stage in my teenage years. I started to think about giving acting a proper go, and my teachers were so supportive.

“I auditioned for drama schools in London, and I was accepted into a drama school called Bird College, a Dance and Musical Theatre college.

I trained in musical theatre, and, part way through the pandemic, training transitioned online. It was both a blessing and a curse.

“I ended up doing a lot of screen acting through Zoom. I realised how much I enjoyed it, so during my final year of training, I pivoted my attention to screen acting.”

The pivot has worked. In addition to Sunphlowers, O’Regan starred in the television show Spellbound, which was filmed over three months in Paris and another three months in Brussels, a dream experience for her.

She also says her family have supported her acting ambitions from day one.

“My parents have always been massively supportive. I think they saw from such a young age how much I loved performing and being on the stage.

“They had an attitude of ‘we’re going to try and make it happen,’ even though maybe they didn’t understand the scale of things or how it all worked. They were always there and happy to learn what goes into an acting career, and they are always here to support. I’m fortunate in that regard.”

O’Regan hopes that people who see Sunphlowers will come away with the realisation that parents are people too, and not just mothers and fathers.

“It is important to remember that your parents have a life of their own, and they have dreams.

“Even though parents are in the later stages of life, there are still things that they would like to do. I want audiences to go away and have that conversation with their parents. Ask them if there is anything that they would like to do, or is there anything that they would like to pursue, and how, as adult children, we could support them in that?”

O’Regan also hopes that Cork audiences will embrace the film.

“Cork is known for supporting its own, and I think it’s a wonderful film to go and see with your family, with your parents, with your siblings.

“It is really important these days that we make those trips to the cinema to keep those wonderful Cork cinemas alive and kicking.”

Sunphlowers is in cinemas from September 26. Cert: 12a