Wild Mountain Thyme ridiculed for Christopher Walken’s opening line and most ‘bats***’ ending ‘in history’

New romcom has become a punching bag for viewers

New romantic comedy Wild Mountain Thyme is being ridiculed by viewers.

The film first made headlines upon the release of its trailer thanks to the Irish accents of its lead stars, Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan, which were widely lampooned online.

It turns out the overall film isn’t much better – and signals just how bad it’s going to be within its opening seconds.

The film bizarrely begins with Christopher Walken, in what is said to be one of the most dreadful Irish accents in the history of cinema, saying: "Welcome to Ireland. My name's Tony Reilly. I'm dead."

According to viewers, things only get worse right up until a twist ending that’s been branded by IndieWire’s David Ehrlich “the most bats*** reveal in the history of fiction” (read our rundown of what happens here).

After watching the film, Chicago Sun-Times critic Richard Roeper wrote: “I'll say this for Wild Mountain Thyme, it has maybe my favourite opening of any movie this year. Imagine Christopher Walken putting on an Irish accent and saying [that] in voice-over.”

AisleSeat critic Michael McGranahan added: “Christopher Walken should never, ever be asked to speak in an Irish accent.”

One potential viewer said: “I’m a great connoisseur of ‘so bad it’s terrible’ but even I have to draw the line at the great Christopher Walken murdering an Irish accent.”

The film, directed by John Patrick Shanley, follows farmer Rosemary Muldoon who has her heart set on winning her neighbour Anthony Reilly's love.

It is available to stream in the US on Amazon Prime. A UK release date is yet to be announced.