The Incomer is a gloriously quirky, heart-warming indie folk comedy that we do so well in this country and it shines as an absolute gem of modern British filmmaking! Writer-director Louis Paxton delivers an irresistibly warm and charming, offbeat treasure that captures your heart from the very first frame.
Set on a remote Scottish isle, the story follows eccentric siblings Isla and Sandy, who have spent decades living in isolation, hunting seabirds and fending off outsiders. Their sheltered world collides with reality when Daniel, an awkward government land recovery officer, arrives tasked with relocating them to the mainland. Stylistically, the film blends whimsical deadpan humour, lush coastal visuals, subtle animation touches, and Scottish folklore. Beneath its hilarious outer shell, it explores touching themes of human connection, grief, belonging, and preserving heritage against modern intrusion.
The brilliant lead cast delivers remarkable comedic chemistry that will entertain you from the first frame to the last. Domhnall Gleeson (About Time) is endearingly awkward as Daniel. Gayle Rankin (GLOW) and Grant O’Rourke bring sensational eccentric energy as Isla and Sandy respectively. John Hannah (The Mummy) adds magnificent presence as a mythical presence and Michelle Gomez is great as the nasty boss.
The film has been quietly picking Awards on the film festival circuit such as the Sundance Film Festival, and critics have praised its winningly weird and goofy spirit, great performances and its big heart. It is set to become a British classic some make the effort to come and enjoy it on the big screen.
If you enjoyed films like Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) and The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) then this is one that you will not want to miss.
