Dragonfly
UK 2025
Dir: Paul Andrew Williams
Cast: Andrea Riseborough, Brenda Blethyn, Jason Watkins
English / 98m
In cinemas 7 November 2025
Have we become a nation of strangers? In Dragonfly, neglected pensioner Elsie (Brenda Blethyn) finds an unexpected ally in her younger neighbour Colleen (Andrea Riseborough). Over time, Elsie gains a friend and the troubled Colleen finds a fresh purpose in life as she shops, cleans and cares for her. It brings brighter days for both of them. Elsie’s son John (Jason Watkins) resents the way that Colleen has selflessly fulfilled the responsibilities that he has shirked. Simmering tensions bring shocking consequences in a gripping human story straight from the heart of broken Britain. A powerful return to the cinema from London to Brighton director Paul Andrew Williams that showcases heartrending, award-winning performances from Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough.
Winner: Tribeca Best Performance in an International Narrative Feature (for both Andrea Riseborough and Brenda Blethyn)
Winner: Galway Film Fleadh Best International Film
“It’s a stark, fierce, wonderfully acted film”
— ★★★★ Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough are at the top of their game”
— Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter
“What begins as a slow-burning and tender drama with shades of Mike Leigh turns into a dark and gripping Hitchcockian thriller. Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough give powerful and Oscar-worthy performances that ground the film in raw authenticity”
— Avi Offer, NYC Movie Guru
“Will hang around in your head long after... It’s a mother of a story"
— Damon Wise, Deadline
“Reconfirms (Paul Andrew Williams’) status as one of the most exciting British filmmakers currently working”
— Alistair Harkness, The Scotsman