Forever Is Now documentary follows Eamon Ryan’s final 18 months in power

Following Eamon Ryan through his final 18 months in power, the documentary Forever Is Now captures an apocalyptic political reckoning that culminated in the party losing 11 of its 12 TDs in the 2024 general election, as detailed by The Irish Times.

Filming the Final Months in Coalition Government

Director Neasa Ní Chianáin followed Ryan during his tenure as minister for the environment, climate, communications, and transport in the 2020–25 government. The 1-hour 37-minute documentary, rated 12A, observes Ryan dealing with constant criticism over coalition compromises, insufficient transport progress, and the difficulties of selling broad emissions goals to voters trying to make ends meet, according to The Irish Times.

In a review for The Guardian, the film is described as resembling the political satire The Thick of It, though without cynical gags or self-serving politicians. The Guardian notes that Ryan emerges as principled, likable, and hardworking, though the portrait is admittedly favorable.

Global Climate Goals Stall as Domestic Party Members Voice Exasperation

The documentary tracks Ryan at international forums, including the UN general assembly in New York and two Cop climate conferences. At the Cop 29 summit in Azerbaijan, goals stall as representatives from the Global South argue the deal allows developed nations to avoid providing finance, as reported by The Irish Times. Ryan also questions how to secure agreement from 27 countries on aviation and maritime taxes ahead of a European conference.

Domestically, the political climate remains hostile. Younger party members voice their exasperation over a lack of progress at a conference in Ballina, while Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald delivers sharp critiques in the Dáil, calling one of Ryan’s proposals a “madcap, half-baked and unfair notion,” according to The Irish Times.

Behind the Scenes and Family Life

Edel Hackett, Ryan's media adviser, features prominently in the film, managing daily online abuse and handling controversies such as a social media campaign by Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary. The Guardian likens Hackett to a moral version of Malcolm Tucker.

The documentary also explores Ryan’s personal life, particularly his relationship with his 25-year-old autistic son, Tommy, who requires full-time care and repeats the phrase “Forever … forever … forever.” Scenes show the pair walking the dog and picking raspberries at an allotment, while Ryan’s wider family life remains private. The film concludes with Ryan packing up his ministerial office in January 2025 while watching Donald Trump’s inauguration on television, shortly before the film’s scheduled cinema release in the UK and Ireland on October 19.

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