Five Minutes of Heaven 2009

In 1975, against the backdrop of the Northern Irish Troubles in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, tensions reach a boiling point. The Irish Republican Army targets loyalists, igniting fierce retaliation from the loyalist Ulster Volunteer Force who seek revenge on the Catholics they believe are militant republicans. Among them is Alistair Little, a 17-year-old leader of a UVF cell, driven by a thirst for violence. After receiving orders to eliminate a young Catholic man, James Griffin, the brutal act sets off a chain of events that will shape their lives forever. The shock of watching his brother’s murder leaves a deep scar on Griffin’s 8-year-old sibling, Joe, who witnesses the horror unfold.

Fast forward to 2008—33 years post-murder and 19 years after Little has served his prison sentence. A reconciliation initiative aims to bring together the perpetrator and the victim’s family. Joe Griffin finds himself face to face with the man who took his brother away. Yet, Joe isn’t joining for a gesture of peace; he plans to take revenge armed with a knife. The anxiety and anger boil over just before they are set to be filmed, leading him to storm out, disconnecting their fateful encounter.

Despite the initial tension, Little proposes a meeting with Griffin, who reluctantly agrees. The chosen location is particularly haunting—the now-abandoned home where Joe’s brother was killed. As tensions rise, Joe struggles with his dark intentions. His spouse attempts to intervene, but Joe’s rage drives him, and he escalates into violence. In a moment of chaos, he ambushes Little, leading to a struggle that sees both men crashing through a second-story window, resulting in injuries to both.

In their raw encounter, filled with emotion, Little speaks to Griffin, offering clarity about his actions. He encourages Joe to abandon his quest for vengeance and to cherish his family instead. As Griffin battles his demons, he lights a cigarette, clearly shaken. Later, during a therapy group session, Joe confesses his desire to be a better father to his daughters, ultimately reaching out to Little with a powerful message: “We’re finished.” The moment conveys a mix of relief and uncertainty for Little, who stands at a crossroads, unsure of what lies ahead.