Exciting News: Sara McFarlane and Maria McIndoo Acquire Film Rights to Claire Keegan’s "So Late in the Day"
Renowned producer Sara McFarlane, known for her work on "Red, White and Blue," has teamed up with filmmaker Maria McIndoo to secure the film rights to acclaimed author Claire Keegan’s poignant short story, "So Late in the Day." This ambitious project will serve as the feature film debut for writer-director McIndoo, with McFarlane producing under her newly established banner, Essential Viewing. Keegan will also join the project as an executive producer.
This collaboration marks the second venture between McFarlane and McIndoo, following the success of their recent short film "A Love Letter to M," which stars André Holland and Phoebe Tonkin and premiered at the 2025 Indy Shorts International Film Festival.
“I am thrilled to partner with Maria on bringing ‘So Late in the Day’ to life,” McFarlane expressed. “What captivates me about this short story is its subtlety and depth. Each word is deliberate, leaving a lasting impression. In a time when discussions about equality can feel contentious, Claire’s carefully crafted narrative is more relevant than ever. Maria possesses a remarkable vision for this film and is one of the most collaborative directors I’ve had the pleasure to work with. I have complete confidence that our adaptation will honor the original work and resonate with audiences worldwide.”
About "So Late in the Day"
The film follows a contemplative Friday in Dublin, where the protagonist, Cathal, reflects on the life he could have shared with Sabine, had he made different choices. This profound exploration delves into themes of memory, regret, and gender dynamics, highlighting how a lack of generosity can irrevocably alter one’s life path.
“I am truly honored to adapt Claire Keegan’s ‘So Late in the Day’ for the screen,” McIndoo stated. “Her writing is rich, engaging, and beautifully minimalist, allowing each moment to resonate. Collaborating with Sara on this project is a joy, and we are committed to uncovering the deep layers of Claire’s unforgettable story.”
McIndoo, whose directing portfolio includes acclaimed short films such as "Etymology," "Young Widows," and "Lulu," will also take on the screenplay adaptation. Her impressive writing background includes staff roles on Fox’s "Monarch" and development work with Expectation Entertainment and Wild Mercury, as well as a first-look television deal with Gaumont UK.
With "So Late in the Day," McIndoo will make her feature directorial debut. McFarlane’s producing credits also feature the Oscar-nominated "Red, White and Blue," along with executive producing roles in "Love Brooklyn," "The Accidental Getaway Driver," "The Luckiest Man in America," and the upcoming "Peaches." Her new creative venture, Essential Viewing, aims to provide a platform for distinctive storytelling.
Keegan’s Literary Legacy
Claire Keegan is celebrated as one of the foremost contemporary Irish writers, with previous works adapted for the screen, including "The Quiet Girl," which received an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film in 2023, and "Small Things Like These," featuring Cillian Murphy.
Stay tuned for more updates on production and casting in the coming months. Sara McFarlane is represented by Liza Zusman at Untitled and Sasha Levites at Frankfurt Kurnit, while Maria McIndoo is represented by Alex Rusher at Independent Talent in London. Claire Keegan is represented by Felicity Blunt and Katie Battcock at Curtis Brown.
