Finnegan’s Foursome Review: Edward Burns’ Irish Golfing Passion Project

Finnegan’s Foursome, written, directed, and starring Edward Burns, is a golf-centric family drama set in Ireland. According to a review by TheWrap published June 8, 2026, the film serves as a passion project that appeals primarily to golf enthusiasts and fans of Burns, though it may struggle to engage viewers who lack an interest in the sport.

The film operates on the assumption that the audience shares the creator’s specific interests. For those who love golf and the work of Edward Burns, the movie offers a pleasant way to spend a few hours. However, TheWrap notes that for those outside that demographic, the experience is akin to watching strangers play golf from the sidelines.

What is the plot of Finnegan’s Foursome?

The story centers on the Finnegan family, whose lives revolve around the sport of golf due to the obsession of their patriarch, Jack. Played by Ian McElhinney, Jack is a rugged former professional who primarily connects with his two sons through the game. He maintains a yearly family tournament that he consistently wins.

The family dynamic is strained by this competitive environment. The eldest son, Teddy, played by Brian d’Arcy James, is a relaxed writer who accepts his inevitable losses. In contrast, the younger son, Freddy, played by Burns, remains resentful well into middle age over a relationship defined by withholding and competition.

The narrative shifts when Jack dies, leaving behind a final request. Rather than a traditional funeral, he mandates one last competition in his native Ireland. His ashes are to be spread across four specific locations during the event. This prompts Freddy, Teddy, Freddy’s son Frankie (Brian Muller), and Teddy’s daughter Marie (Erica Hernandez) to travel to the Isle for a week of reminiscence and rivalry.

How do the performances and technical elements fare?

The review highlights a sharp contrast between the two lead brothers. Burns portrays Freddy as an abrasive character with a massive and perpetual chip on his shoulder, making him difficult to spend time with. To balance this, Brian d’Arcy James provides what TheWrap describes as the movie’s emotional core.

James, a quintuple Tony nominee, is praised for a comfortable performance rooted in relaxed professionalism. His presence offsets the abrasive nature of Burns’ character, providing necessary stability to the family dynamic.

Beyond the acting, the film’s technical execution receives significant praise, particularly the work of cinematographer Jeff Muhlstock. While the plot remains insular and focused on the bickering family, Muhlstock’s visuals of the Irish coastal courses and green landscapes are described as welcoming and inclusive.

The energy of the film is further supported by musician Seamus Egan. His Irish-inflected compositions help maintain momentum even when the narrative pace begins to flag.

Is the film’s pacing effective?

Despite the visual and musical strengths, the film’s length is a point of contention. Clocking in at two hours, the movie is described as indulgent. TheWrap suggests the project would have been more effective if edited into a tighter 90-minute runtime.

The review concludes that the film feels more like a personal passion project than a streamlined cinematic experience. It is characterized as an elaborate excuse for the production to film golf in a beautiful location, a sentiment echoed by a character within the movie—Teddy’s wife.