What Is The Last of the High Kings About?
The premise of The Last of the High Kings in 260 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the summer of 1977, Dublin pulses with the raw energy of Thin Lizzy riffs and the lingering shock of Elvis Presley’s death. The city, still tinged with the optimism of the late‑seventies, serves as a vivid backdrop for a coming‑of‑age tale that feels both nostalgic and immediate. Suburban streets, seaside breezes, and the clatter of schoolyards blend into a world where music, politics, and family expectations intersect, creating a restless atmosphere that mirrors the uncertainties of youth.
At the heart of this swirl is Frankie, a teenager perched on the brink of adulthood as he awaits his final exam results. His mother Cathleen is a vocal, politically engaged presence who constantly reminds him of duty and tradition, while his father Jack drifts between theatrical flair and distant ambitions, leaving Frankie to navigate the space between their contrasting worlds. Friendships and budding attractions add further texture: the enigmatic Romy and the spirited Jayne embody the allure of first love, and a visiting American girl named Erin introduces an exotic spark that challenges his familiar routines.
The film unfolds with a tone that balances gentle humor, restless energy, and a lingering melancholy, capturing the bittersweet flavor of a summer that feels both endless and fleeting. Amid lingering family tensions, cultural expectations, and the ever‑present soundtrack of the era, Frankie wrestles with questions of identity, responsibility, and desire. The narrative promises a portrait of youthful rebellion tempered by affection, offering a glimpse into how a single season can shape a young man’s sense of self and his place within a changing Ireland.
What Happens in The Last of the High Kings?
The complete story of The Last of the High Kings, from the first scene to the last, in 918 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
On the last day of secondary school in the summer of 1977, in the charming coastal village of Howth, County Dublin, Ireland, Frankie (Jared Leto) finds himself overwhelmed by a mix of disappointment and uncertainty. As he prepares to leave school, Frankie is convinced that he has failed his final exams, which spells the end of his hopes for attending university and pursuing romantic relationships with classmates such as Romy (Emily Mortimer) and Jayne (Lorraine Pilkington). Despite feeling disheartened, he decides to go out with his friends that evening, trying to enjoy what little time he has left before confronting an uncertain future.
The following morning, Frankie begins a long wait of seven weeks until August 18, when his exam results are expected to arrive. Meanwhile, he feels the weight of familial tension: his mother, Cathleen (Catherine O’Hara), scolds him publicly, emphasizing the importance of his future and warning him about girls from Protestant backgrounds, including Romy and Jayne. His father, Jack (Gabriel Byrne), makes a dramatic entrance by driving recklessly through the locked gate of their home, damaging it, before greeting his wife and their five children. Jack is a theatrical man who will soon leave on an extended tour to the United States for another stage production—an absence that worries Frankie, especially since Jack offers him a goldfish as a pre-birthday gift, signaling the temporary nature of his return.
Before his departure, Jack provides Frankie with some advice about facing the future, though it leaves Frankie more confused than reassured. Intent on making the most of his summer, Frankie dreams of a beach party with hopes of spending time with Romy and Jayne on a local beach, fantasizing about romance and freedom. During this period, Frankie receives a letter from Jack filled with words of encouragement, which only adds to his inner turmoil.
One evening, Frankie hosts a house party when his mother leaves for a political event, but the gathering turns out to be dull, as Frankie and his friends have neglected to invite any girls. Throughout the summer, Frankie also works on repairing the damaged gate from his father’s earlier mishap, when Romy drops by to collect donations for the Labour Party. His mother, however, warns him to stay away from Romy, Jayne, and other Protestant girls, adding further complications to his budding social life.
Erin, a visiting teenager from Milwaukee, arrives with her younger sister Rainbow (although not detailed in the summary), at Jack’s invitation, stirring a new wave of excitement. Frankie, eager to impress, plays the guitar during dinner, leading Erin to see him as a mature and capable young man. This sparks a flirtation, with Erin openly expressing her feelings and Frankie feeling unsure but intrigued. His mother insists that he take Erin to the movies, and the two go out together. They board a bus, where Frankie introduces Erin to Romy and Jayne. Inspired by her new friends, Erin cheerfully puts on a spirited cheerleading routine dedicated to Frankie, embarrassing him but also demonstrating her affection.
As their connection deepens, Erin openly admits her love for Frankie, leading him to initially hesitate before sharing a passionate kiss. When Erin leaves the next day, Frankie, overwhelmed with embarrassment, is unable to say a proper goodbye. His relationship with the girls remains complicated, tangled with social pressures and youthful uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Frankie’s mother, Cathleen, pressures him into participating in local politics, encouraging him to vote illegally. Instead of casting a vote, Frankie defaces his ballot with an expletive, symbolizing his rebellious attitude. His cheeky act results in James Davern (Colm Meaney) being declared the winner of the election, much to Cathleen’s delight, prompting her to host an impromptu victory party. During the celebration, Cathleen serenades Mr. Davern, but the night takes a chaotic turn when Frankie and his brother, Ray (not explicitly named in the summary), spike the punch. Mr. Davern, attempting to flirt with Cathleen, ends up passing out from alcohol poisoning, highlighting the wild and unpredictable nature of their summer.
Frankie’s reckless streak continues when he wanders into a gorse fire after an argument about planning the beach party. He nearly succumbs to the smoke but is rescued by firemen. Later, Romy and Jayne invite Frankie to play pool, and in a moment of jealousy and confusion, Romy spots Frankie and Jayne together. Frankie ends up at Jayne’s house where they share an intimate moment, only to have Jayne throw him out angrily, with his clothes flying out of the window. On his way home, Frankie learns that Elvis Presley has died, adding an unexpected layer of sadness to his summer.
Prompted by his mother, Frankie makes a mock confession at church, symbolizing his internal struggle with maturity and responsibility. The arrival of his exam results causes a wave of relief when he discovers he has passed, sparking a sense of hope for his future. His father, Jack, arrives back home via taxi, and in a dramatic gesture, the driver breaks through the repaired gate—reconnecting Frankie with his family’s roots and hopes.
As the summer draws to an end, Frankie hosts a beach party in Elvis Presley’s honor. During this celebration, he confesses his love to Romy, who reciprocates, and they walk together along the beach—symbolizing a new chapter in their lives. The story captures a pivotal moment in adolescence—a blend of hopes, frustrations, love, and youthful rebellion—set against the backdrop of a small Irish community experiencing the magic and melancholy of a summer that will stay with Frankie forever.
The Last of the High Kings Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
10 key events in the order they happen, from “Frankie waits for exam results” to “Beach party and confessing love”. 10 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Frankie waits for exam results
Frankie, on his last day of secondary school, anxiously begins waiting for his exam results, which are due in seven weeks on August 18. He feels unsure about his performance and fears he has failed, casting a shadow over his summer plans. His expectations for the future are uncertain at this point.
When:Summer of 1977 Where:Howth, County Dublin, Ireland
- 2
Frankie's family preparations and farewell
Frankie's father Jack arrives, damaging the gate in his impatience, and leaves for an extended trip to the United States, bringing a goldfish as a birthday gift for Frankie. Jack offers some reassuring words about Frankie's future just before departure. The family prepares for Jack's absence as Frankie deals with his own worries about exams and life.
When:Day before Jack's trip Where:Frankie's home, Howth
- 3
Beach party plans and social mishaps
Frankie plans a beach party and fantasizes about being with Romy and Jayne. He invites friends over, but the gathering is dull because they neglect to invite women. During a repair attempt on the gate, Romy visits to collect donations, leading to teasing and awkward moments among friends.
When:One midsummer day Where:Frankie's home and local beach
- 4
Introduction of Erin and her visit
Erin, a visiting teenager from Milwaukee, stays with Frankie's family. Frankie impresses her with his guitar skills during dinner, sparking a connection. Erin publicly shows her affection for Frankie by performing a cheerleading routine, leading to their passionate kiss before she departs the next day.
When:Days after the beach day Where:Frankie's home and bus
- 5
Frankie's rebellious election act
Frankie is urged by his mother to vote illegally during the local election. Instead of voting, he writes 'FUCK YOU' on his ballot as a protest. The election results declare James Davern the winner, and a victory party ensues, where Frankie and Ray serve spiked punch, culminating in Davern passing out from alcohol poisoning.
When:Evening of election day Where:Local election polling station
- 6
Frankie's fire incident and romantic moments
Frankie, discouraged by planning beach parties, wanders into a gorse fire but is rescued by firemen. Later, he plays pool with Jayne, and Romy watches jealously as Frankie and Jayne make love. Jayne throws Frankie out after he becomes overly enamored and confused about his feelings.
When:Same summer day Where:Local gorse fire and Frankie's home
- 7
News of Elvis Presley's death
Frankie learns from a friend that Elvis Presley has died, marking a significant cultural moment. At his mother's insistence, Frankie attempts a mock confession to the priest, symbolizing his internal struggles with maturity and emotions.
When:Same summer day Where:Frankie's home and church
- 8
Arrival of exam results
The school sends out the exam results early, and Frankie discovers he has passed his exams. This achievement provides relief and opens new possibilities for his future. His father Jack returns in a taxi, and they reconnect, emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
When:Day of results Where:Frankie's home and taxi
- 9
Jack's return and plans for the beach party
Jack arrives home and suggests that Frankie throw a beach party in Elvis Presley's honor. The reunion signifies a turning point, allowing Frankie to embrace his youth and future with hope. The party becomes a backdrop for Frankie to confess his love to Romy.
When:Following Jack's return Where:Frankie's home and beach
- 10
Beach party and confessing love
At the beach party, Frankie openly confesses his love to Romy, who reciprocates. They then take a walk along the beach, symbolizing a new chapter in their relationship and Frankie’s personal growth. The summer ends with hope and emotional fulfillment.
When:End of summer 1977 Where:Beach, Howth
Who Are the Main Characters in The Last of the High Kings?
3 characters, among them Frankie Griffin (Jared Leto), Romy Thomas (Emily Mortimer) and Cathleen (Catherine O'Hara): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Frankie Griffin (Jared Leto)
Played by Jared Leto
A teenage boy navigating the emotional turbulence of adolescence, Frankie is optimistic yet insecure about his future. His character embodies youthful curiosity, longing, and the desire to find his place in the world amidst familial and societal pressures.
- 🎸 Teenager
- 💭 Dreamer
- 🧭 Searching
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Romy Thomas (Emily Mortimer)
Played by Emily Mortimer
A kind and confident girl, Romy is a love interest who symbolizes youthful desire and emotional vulnerability. Her interactions with Frankie highlight themes of affection and teenage complexity, serving as a catalyst for his romantic development.
- 💖 Love interest
- 🌟 Confident
- 😊 Compassionate
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Cathleen (Catherine O'Hara)
Played by Catherine O'Hara
Frankie's mother, an outspoken and protective figure, embodies traditional Irish values. Her overbearing attitude and occasional comic relief underscore her concern for her family’s reputation and her support for her children’s growth, despite her firm stance.
- 👩 Mother
- 🎭 Comedic
- 🛡️ Protector
Where and When Is The Last of the High Kings Set?
The Last of the High Kings is set in Howth, County Dublin and Ireland (Summer of 1977). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Summer of 1977
The movie takes place during the summer of 1977, a time marked by cultural shifts and significant events like the death of Elvis Presley. This period reflects the social and political atmosphere of Ireland in the late 1970s. The summer setting emphasizes themes of youth, transition, and nostalgia, capturing a snapshot of life during this era.
Where
Howth, County Dublin, Ireland
Howth is a picturesque coastal village known for its scenic cliffs, harbor, and historic lighthouse. It offers a traditional Irish setting with a close-knit community, popular for seaside walks and fishing. The village provides a charming backdrop for the movie's coming-of-age story, capturing the tranquility and youthful energy of summer.
- 🌊 Coastal
- 🇮🇪 Irish
- 🏘️ Village life
What Are the Themes of The Last of the High Kings?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Coming of Age, Youth and Rebellion and Love and Heartbreak.
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01
Coming of Age
The film explores the journey of adolescence, focusing on Frankie’s experiences with love, identity, and self-discovery. It highlights the challenges and joys of growing up in a small Irish village, emphasizing the importance of friendship, family, and personal growth during this pivotal life stage.
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02
Youth and Rebellion
Rebellion against adult authority and societal expectations is a central theme. Frankie's rebellious acts, like vandalizing the ballot box and disorderly parties, illustrate the desire for independence and to challenge norms. The film underscores youthful defiance and the pursuit of personal freedom amidst social constraints.
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03
Love and Heartbreak
Romantic relationships, complicated by class, religion, and adolescence, drive much of the emotional narrative. Frankie’s romantic confusion and confession reflect the tumult of first love and emotional vulnerability. The movie captures the innocence and intensity of teenage love.
What Kind of Film Is The Last of the High Kings?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A nostalgic and gently melancholic coming-of-age story that captures the anxious yet hopeful spirit of a teenage summer, balancing youthful rebellion and romantic confusion with the warmth of family and community.
- nostalgic
- anxious
- rebellious
- hopeful
- melancholic
- youthful
- coming of age
- family dynamics
- teenage romance
- summer of transition
Content notes: male nudity, underage drinking.
Quiz
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Where to Watch The Last of the High Kings
Rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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