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Four Letters of Love (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Four Letters of Love (2025) movie poster

Four Letters of Love is a 2025 drama directed by Polly Steele, starring Pierce Brosnan as William Coughlan, Fionn O'Shea and Imelda May. It runs 2 hours 5 minutes and earned $1.2 million worldwide. Critics gave it 37 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.1/10.

IMDb rating
6.1/10
worldwide gross
$1.2M
Echo Score
54
Metascore
37
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Four Letters of Love (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 5m (125 min)
Director
Polly Steele
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Four Letters of Love About?

The premise of Four Letters of Love without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Nicholas and Isabel share a deep connection, seemingly destined to find each other. However, their idyllic life is disrupted when Nicholas’ father embarks on a spiritual journey, focusing on his art. Simultaneously, Isabel faces a devastating family tragedy, leading to her placement in a convent. Separated and experiencing heartbreak, they must navigate unexpected challenges and twists of fate, hoping to reunite and overcome the obstacles that threaten their love.

Four Letters of Love Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • love
  • power
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Cast & crew

Four Letters of Love Cast & Characters

Pierce Brosnan leads the cast as William Coughlan, with Fionn O'Shea as Nicholas Coughlan and Imelda May as Bette Coughlan. Directed by Polly Steele; 19 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Four Letters of Love

· 15 more
Ratings

Four Letters of Love Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Four Letters of Love 37 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 54/100, strongest in character & emotion (60) and weakest in story & flow (45).

54 /100

Four Letters of Love Echo Score Breakdown

Four Letters of Love elicits a mixed response, with its visual presentation and cast receiving modest commendation while its direction and narrative structure draw considerable criticism. Critics highlight the film’s picturesque Irish scenery and competent cinematography, yet many note excessive drone shots, uneven pacing, and a lack of cohesive editing. User feedback mirrors this split, praising the scenery but lamenting the film’s introspective tone. Consequently, the film lands in a moderate range, reflecting both its limited strengths and notable flaws.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 50

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s visual strengths are evident but its execution falters. Critics acknowledge the appealing Irish landscapes and competent cinematography, yet they criticize the overuse of static drone shots and uneven editing that disrupt narrative flow. Users similarly note beautiful scenery but point to an intrusive score and occasional visual inconsistency. Overall, the artistic components deliver modest impact but are hindered by technical shortcomings.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When assessing character and emotion, the ensemble delivers credible performances despite uneven material. Critics praise the chemistry between the leads and describe the acting as competent, though some note that the roles feel constrained by a contrived script. User commentary emphasizes a resonant emotional core and heartfelt portrayals, while also mentioning occasional accent issues. The net effect is a respectable but not outstanding character rendering.

  • Story & Flow 45

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative struggles to maintain momentum and cohesion. Critics repeatedly cite a sluggish pace, disjointed structure, and reliance on contrived coincidences that undermine engagement. Users are divided; some admire the magical‑realist elements and thematic ambition, yet others echo concerns about introspection and implausibility. Consequently, the storyline delivers limited appeal due to pacing and structural weaknesses.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    In terms of sensory experience, the film excels visually but falters aurally. Critics laud the picturesque Irish countryside and effective production design, yet they point out an intrusive musical score and uneven sound design that detract from immersion. User feedback mirrors this split, praising the breathtaking scenery while noting that the soundtrack occasionally overwhelms the narrative. Overall, the sensory elements are visually strong but sonically inconsistent.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Rewatch factor is moderate, reflecting both the film’s emotional resonance and its structural flaws. Critics suggest that dedicated viewers might appreciate the thematic depth despite a generally tedious pace, while others deem it too introspective for repeat viewings. User remarks include intentions to watch again and overall enjoyment, balanced by comments on pacing. The film thus offers limited but tangible incentive for subsequent viewings.

Plot

Four Letters of Love Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Four Letters of Love from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1971, civil servant William Coughlan, seeing a sunbeam on his desk blotter, suddenly feels inspired and quits to become a painter. This shocks his wife Bette Coughlan and their 17-year-old son Nicholas Coughlan.

Simultaneously, on a west coast island, Isabel Gore and Sean Gore watch the sea as he inexplicably collapses, becomes withdrawn, and is confined to a wheelchair. Soon after, Isabel is sent to be educated by the mainland under the care of the Mother Superior as island custom dictates, while her parents Margaret Gore and Muiris Gore decide it is time.

Back in Dublin, as the painter William searches for inspiration, he heads to the western coast. Three months pass and mother and son suffer, wondering if he will return.

Full summary

The whole story of Four Letters of Love, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Four Letters of Love Box Office

Four Letters of Love grossed $1.2 million worldwide.

2025 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.2M

International
$1.2M
Videos

Four Letters of Love Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Four Letters of Love?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year does William Coughlan quit his civil‑service job after being inspired by a sunbeam?

Details

Four Letters of Love Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “Amor en cuatro letras” and “Четири любовни писма”.

Also known as
  • Amor en cuatro letras
  • Четири любовни писма
  • Чотири листи кохання
  • Письма о любви
  • Četras mīlestības vēstules

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FAQ

Four Letters of Love FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Four Letters of Love, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Four Letters of Love?

Four Letters of Love runs 2 hours 5 minutes (125 minutes).

When was Four Letters of Love released?

Four Letters of Love was released on July 25, 2025.

Who directed Four Letters of Love?

Four Letters of Love was directed by Polly Steele.

More films by Polly Steele

Who is in the cast of Four Letters of Love?

Four Letters of Love stars Pierce Brosnan as William Coughlan, Fionn O'Shea as Nicholas Coughlan and Imelda May as Bette Coughlan, among 19 credited actors.

How much did Four Letters of Love make at the box office?

Four Letters of Love grossed $1.2 million worldwide.

How is Four Letters of Love rated?

Four Letters of Love has 6.1/10 on IMDb, 37 on Metacritic and 60% on TMDB.

Does Four Letters of Love have a post-credit scene?

No. Four Letters of Love has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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