The Martini Shot

Steve (Matthew Modine) is a dying film director who decides to make his final film in Ireland. Aided by his assistant Mary (Fiona Glascott) they set about getting cast and crew together.

The fact that two of the cast, Errol (Derek Jacobi) and Philip (Stuart Townsend) are dead and that he’s constantly being transported to Dr Auyeung (John Cleese), for updates on his condition (who also prefers the term finality to terminal). And also his therapist Dr Ehm (Morgana Robinson) (not the original one) who annoys Mary more than Steve as she tries to keep things on track.

All this while scouting for locations and his power to stop the inhabitants in their tracks while they have a spat. That power also lets him indulge with Dr Ehm, loosening another button on her blouse to reveal more of her bosom. He certainly has a God complex though whether that is a rampant ego or death-bed delusion isn’t that clear, or that vital to what is going on.

Written and directed by Stephen Wallis, The Martini Shot is a wordy philosophical piece about missed opportunities, love, life and death. There is a recognisable thread through the film, though its mainly played through what are almost vignettes.

This appears to be as much about acting and making films as the heavier questions and discussions that the cast indulge in. There’re digs between the various departments involved in the making of the film and their efficiency, budget issues and getting the right cast in place, dead or alive.

The bizarreness of the characters and the situations are best handled with the viewer just sitting back and appreciating the skills of the fine cast comfortably doing what they do best. There is also the glorious photography and landscapes of Ireland to wallow in.

The Martini Shot will be on UK digital platforms from 2 March 2026, from Miracle Media.