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Dating Amber

Dating Amber

They have their secret.

202092 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films
Director
David Freyne
Starring
Fionn O'Shea, Lola Petticrew, Sharon Horgan, Barry Ward

Eddie and Amber decide to stage a relationship in order to stop everyone speculating about their sexuality. Eddie is keen to follow his dad into the military, while Amber dreams of moving to the liberal hub of London. The plan seems solid, but as their arrangement begins to fall apart, Eddie’s denial gets deeper as Amber realizes that a perilous future awaits her best friend unless she intervenes.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Dating Amber?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Dating Amber streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Dating Amber?

Dating Amber earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Dating Amber worth watching?

Dating Amber's Midcredits score is the 83rd percentile of all films, from 9.1K ratings across 2 sources. 73% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

83rd percentile

Better received than 83% of films

89th percentile among Comedy84th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)81st
Approval (how many liked it)82nd

70 /100

81st percentile of all films

88th percentile among Comedy80th percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.1 — solid but not unanimous.

73% liked it

82nd percentile of all films

88th percentile among Comedy83rd percentile among 2020s
73% rated it 7–1027% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 8 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

87th percentile

8.9K ratings across platforms

85th percentile among Comedy88th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 94% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$87K

21st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a well-intentioned, gently charming coming-of-age story about two gay teens pretending to date in 1990s Ireland.

Fans praised

  • great central performances by Petticrew and O'Shea
  • heartfelt and funny take on coming out in 90s Ireland
  • refreshingly hopeful tone for an LGBT+ story

Detractors panned

  • derivative and lacks subtlety in its message
  • supporting characters feel like caricatures
  • inaccurate depiction of period's social and religious repression

What stands out

Acting78

leads praised for authenticity and chemistry; some detractors note unevenness in supporting cast

Sound and music72

great soundtrack including U2; period songs enhance nostalgia

Emotional impactDivisive70

heartfelt and moving for most; some find it lachrymose

AtmosphereDivisive68

immersive 90s Irish small-town setting; some detractors question historical accuracy

CharactersDivisive65

Amber well-written and confident; Eddie's internal conflict feels underdeveloped to some

Plot and storyDivisive60

familiar coming-out narrative; some find it derivative and lacking real stakes

HumorDivisive60

Irish sarcastic humor lands for fans; detractors find it forced or off-tone

Originality50

earnest but derivative of other teen/coming-out films

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 11 points higher than over-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Dating Amber like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle and funny, takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulContemplativeTense
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its material with warm sincerity, balancing gentle comedy with the emotional weight of self-acceptance.
The rideLikely a lighthearted, warm mood punctuated by moments of anxiety about being discovered, with emotional weight concentrated toward the end.
StructureThe story is told in a conventional chronological order from premise to resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you believing things can get better for the characters after their shared journey of self-acceptance.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% (this title) · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Liberation: Breaking free of a confining life (Room).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeTwo friends pretend to be a straight couple to hide their true sexualities, a coming-of-age story about breaking free of a confining life.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsComing of age · 5% of filmsDeception · 9% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the pressure to hide one's true sexuality and the personal cost of performing a lie to belong.
StanceThe film examines the pressure to conform regarding sexuality, questioning social norms without overtly condemning them.

The world

Late 20th centurySuburbanRealistic
FolkPopSupportive music · original score
Settinga small Irish town in the 1990s or 2000s
MusicCredited composers Hugh Drumm and Stephen Rennicks suggest an indie/folk score.

Content guide

Is Dating Amber okay for kids?

Not Rated

Dating Amber is not rated. As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (25/100), sexual content at moderate (44/100), language at intense (60/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (46/100) and frightening material at minimal (8/100). Overall it is heavier than 35% of unrated films.

Ratings in 7 other countries
  • UK15
  • France16
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea15
  • HungaryKN
  • Sweden7
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 33% of all filmsHeavier than 35% of unrated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an unrated film
heavier than 15%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 56%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 70%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 70%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for an unrated film
heavier than 4%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what unrated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Dating Amber have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Dating Amber?

Cast

Fionn O'Shea
as Eddie
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Lola Petticrew
as Amber
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sharon Horgan
as Hannah
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Barry Ward
as Ian
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Simone Kirby
as Jill
Ian O'Reilly
as Kev
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Emma Willis
as Tracey
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lauryn Canny
as Sarah
Art Campion
as Sweeney
Ally Ni Chiarain
as The Nun
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Dating Amber?

Movies like Dating Amber include Geography Club (2013), The Half of It (2020) and Get Real (1998). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in high school, and most are liberation stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its story type: teen drama. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Dating Amber?

1.7K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: partners in crime. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.