Dating Amber

In 1995, the story is set in The Curragh, Ireland, where two teenagers, Eddie and Amber, face continuous homophobic harassment. Marginalized by their conservative community, they grapple with their identities and seek safety by pretending to be a straight couple.

Amber yearns to break free from her father's tragic suicide and dreams of a vibrant lesbian punk lifestyle in a more accepting place. To fund her escape to London, she secretly rents caravans to couples at a campsite managed by her mother.

Eddie wrestles with his insecurities, feeling pressured to enlist in the Irish Army just like his often-unattentive father. As societal norms weigh heavily upon him, he struggles to accept who he really is.

Eddie and Amber's lives change significantly during trips to Dublin, where they immerse themselves in the vibrant local LGBTQ+ scene. This exposure helps them start to explore their true identities away from their small-town struggles.

One night at a gay bar, Eddie, feeling increasingly comfortable, shares a kiss with another man. The intimate moment is witnessed by someone from their hometown, leading to a chaotic and violent reaction from Eddie.

Amber's journey of self-acceptance deepens when she meets Sarah at the same gay bar where Eddie struggles. Their growing romantic connection adds another layer of complexity to her life as she seeks genuine love and acceptance.

In a moment of bravery, Amber comes out to her mother, who realizes Amber's feelings toward Sarah. However, this significant step towards openness is tragically short-lived due to an unexpected betrayal by a local priest.

During confession, the local priest inadvertently exposes Amber's secret to their tight-knit community. This betrayal triggers significant conflict for Amber, as she faces the repercussions of being outed.

In the wake of the community's reaction, Eddie struggles to make sense of his life and the public disintegration of their charade. Frustrated and confused, he lashes out at Amber and attempts to chase a conventional relationship with his classmate, Tracey.

As Eddie gets ready to leave for army basic training, he feels the weight of expectations bearing down on him. This impending departure symbolizes not just a physical journey but the emotional unraveling of his façade.

Just before Eddie's departure, Amber confronts him, offering her savings to help him escape the pretense of their lives. This poignant moment highlights their friendship's depth and the choices they must make for themselves.

After a moment of hesitation, Eddie embraces his true identity as he accepts Amber's money for a train ticket to freedom. In doing so, Eddie opens a box with a photo booth strip of their faces, reminding him of their shared past.

In the closing moments of the movie, both Eddie and Amber find themselves smiling as they take significant steps toward self-acceptance. Their journeys of resilience and bravery leave a lasting impression, symbolizing hope for their futures.