Channel 4 has plenty of films and series that provide a perfect viewing experience, and the popular streamer recently added the award-winning drama, Wildfire, to its library.

Released back in 2020, the film follows two sisters, played by Nora-Jane Noone and the late Nika McGuigan, as they discover their late mother’s secrets. The film’s synopsis reads: “The story of two sisters who grew up on the fractious Irish border.

“When one of them, who has been missing, finally returns home, the intense bond with her sister is re-ignited. Together they unearth their mother’s past but uncovered secrets and resentments which have been buried deep, threaten to overwhelm them.”

Wildfire premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, after previously being in a showcase at the Cannes Film Festival. At the BFI Film Festival, the drama won the IWC Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award. Nika also posthumously won Best Lead Actress at the IFTA Awards for her work on the film.

Reception

Wildfire holds a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with its consensus reading: “Anchored by the believable bond between its leads, Wildfire tells a heartfelt and realistic story of sisters peering into their family’s past.”

In a four-star review for The Guardian, Wendy Ide, wrote: “Savagely powerful, directed with an unshowy but acute eye (the use of the colour red is a simple but searingly effective device), this is a terrific feature debut from the writer and director Cathy Brady.”

Nora-Jane Noone and Nika McGuigan dancing in a still from Wildfire© Channel 4
One fan said we needed “more films” like Wildfire

Fans were similarly complimentary, with one enthusing: “A brilliant film by Cathy Brady, a director to watch out for in the future. It’s a great film about trauma that is never talked about. Actors are superb. It should have won more awards. We need more films like this. After the film my friends and I had a great discussion how it mirrors our life and it gave us an opportunity to talk about our own experiences.”

A second said: “A poignant and heartfelt movie about grief and trauma,” while a third added: “A poignant and delicate story about a unearthed sibling relationship and personal conflicts is given substantial emphasis by the attentive and beautiful direction. Well done to Cathy Brady and the whole team for this intricate wonder.“

Nora-Jane Noone and Nika McGuigan appearing bloodied in a still from Wildfire© Channel 4
Critics praised the film, with many calling it “poignant”

However, the praise wasn’t universal, as one viewer complained: “I think there’s better ways to spend your time. It’s a slow downer. The acting is not bad… but just not enough time for character and story building for one to truly understand and to care.”

Who stars in Wildfire?

Nora-Jane Noone and Nika McGuigan in a still from Wildfire© Channel 4
The film was Nika’s final role before her death in 2019

Wildfire was led by the late Nika McGuigan (Philomena), who made her last on-screen appearance in the film, and Nora-Jane Noone (Hidden Assets). The actresses were also joined by Martin McCann (Blue Lights) and Kate Dickie (Red Road).