A new documentary offers an intimate look at Eamon Ryan, former leader of Ireland’s Green Party and minister for the environment and transport, during the final 18 months of his tenure in government. The film, which follows Ryan through 2024 and early 2025, captures his efforts to advance ambitious climate policies while grappling with the demands of political life and caregiving at home.

Titled "Forever Is Now," the documentary takes a fly-on-the-wall approach, portraying Ryan as a diligent and principled figure amid the often fraught world of politics. It charts his work on tackling climate issues, from meeting with residents affected by flooding in Ireland to representing the country at international forums including the UN General Assembly in New York and two COP climate conferences. Throughout, Ryan is accompanied by his media adviser Edel Hackett, who manages a steady stream of online criticism directed at the minister.

The film also touches on Ryan’s personal life in a limited way, with rare glimpses of his family. It highlights his relationship with his 25-year-old son Tommy, who has autism and requires full-time care. Tommy’s repeated phrase, “Forever … forever … forever,” serves as a poignant motif in the narrative. Ryan’s decision to step down from his ministerial role in 2025 is partly driven by his desire to spend more time with Tommy. Aside from these moments, the documentary maintains a focus on Ryan’s public role, leaving much of his private life largely offscreen.

While the documentary provides a sympathetic portrait of Ryan and underscores his dedication, it offers limited contextual information on the broader political climate. There is little background on the specifics of the climate legislation Ryan helped pass or the internal challenges faced by the Green Party, which suffered significant losses in the November 2024 general election. The film also does not include interviews with Ryan himself, which might have provided further insight into his motivations and reflections.

The documentary culminates with scenes of Ryan leaving his ministerial office in January 2025, visibly affected as he watches Donald Trump’s inauguration, symbolizing a turning point both personally and politically. "Forever Is Now" is set for release in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 19 October.