Irvine Welsh, Reality is Not Enough

One of the most controversial writers of our times, join Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh as he undergoes a remarkable trip to find new meaning in his work, life and legacy.

Irvine Welsh is at a crossroads. After experiencing the huge success of several film adaptations and six million books sold worldwide, he has become acutely aware of his own mortality. Now, with his hedonistic days drawing to a close, the outspoken author decides to explore the boundaries of consciousness through a psychedelic DMT trip.

Through this unique lens, join Welsh on a brutally honest examination of his life: how his creativity was fostered by his childhood in Edinburgh; the influences he gained living amongst 70’s London counterculture; and how ground-breaking work such as Trainspotting and Filth pulled him out of a self-destructive cycle, but also led him to heights of fame he never could have imagined. And still one burning question remains – what will come next?

This captivating piece of autobiographical filmmaking combines intimate observational footage with readings from his novels narrated by Liam Neeson (Batman Begins, Star Wars), Stephen Graham (Adolescence, The Irishman), musician Nick Cave, Ruth Negga (Ad Astra, Passing) and Maxine Peake (The Theory of Everything, Shameless).

Genre: Documentary

Technical Details

Running Time: 87 minutes
Language: English
Certificate: 18

Date: 26th September 2025