Sinéad O’Shea’s documentary masterfully unveils the life of the late Edna O’Brien, a literary icon who died in 2024 at the age of 93. Using a rich tapestry of archival material, including journal entries poignantly voiced by actor Jessie Buckley, decades of television appearances as well as O’Brien’s final interview, the film illuminates her extraordinary taboo-busting courage and vibrant spirit. We follow O’Brien’s life from her strict Irish Catholic upbringing to the controversial success of her first novel, The Country Girls, her abusive marriage to Ernest Gébler, and her dual life as a literary star and struggling single mother. She also became known for her tussles with the Irish Censorship Board and the Catholic Church. O’Shea deftly juxtaposes the glamour of her world—including a romance with Robert Mitchum—with her personal battles. Featuring commentary from fellow writers, admirers like Gabriel Byrne, and the author’s sons, Blue Road paints a vivid portrait of O’Brien’s resilience, her passionate and adventurous nature, and her unwavering dedication to her art.  PB