The Incomer
2026 British film
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The Incomer is a 2026 British comedy film written and directed by Louis Paxton and produced by Shirley O'Connor and Emily Gotto, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin, Grant O'Rourke, Emun Elliott, Michelle Gomez, and John Hannah.[1][2] The film had its world premiere in the Sundance Film Festival's NEXT section in 2026, where it won the NEXT Innovator Award.[1][3][4]
Emily Gotto
Gayle Rankin
Grant O'Rourke
Emun Elliott
Michelle Gomez
John Hannah
| The Incomer | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Louis Paxton |
| Written by | Louis Paxton |
| Produced by | Shirley O'Connor Emily Gotto |
| Starring | Domhnall Gleeson Gayle Rankin Grant O'Rourke Emun Elliott Michelle Gomez John Hannah |
| Edited by | Brian Philip Davis |
Release date |
|
Running time | 101 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Premise
On a remote Scottish island, siblings Isla (Gayle Rankin) and Sandy (Grant O'Rourke) have lived alone for 30 years since their parents disappeared, surviving by hunting seabirds, speaking to mythical creatures, and defending their home from dreaded "incomers".[5][6] Their world is upended when Daniel (Domhnall Gleeson), an awkward land recovery coordinator, arrives to relocate them to the mainland on orders from his intimidating boss Roz (Michelle Gomez).[7] Isla is also haunted by visions of a Finman (John Hannah), a mythical creature who tries to lure her into the sea.[6]
Cast
- Domhnall Gleeson as Daniel
- Gayle Rankin as Isla
- Grant O'Rourke as Sandy
- Emun Elliott as Calum
- Michelle Gomez as Rose
- John Hannah
Production
Director Louis Paxton said the film was inspired by his family's Orcadian heritage. He described the film as "heartfelt, odd and absurdly funny" and cited the films Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Step Brothers as influences.[8]
The film was produced by Shirley O'Connor and Emily Gotto under the UK banner Pilea Pictures, with Wendy Griffin as co-producer.[2] Backers include the BFI, Screen Scotland, Head Gear, and Ireland's Inevitable Pictures.[9] Executive producers include Trevor Noah and musician Moby through their respective companies Day Zero Productions and Little Walnut.[2] Principal photography took place in Caithness and various Scottish Highlands locations in summer 2025.[7][10][11]
Release
The film had its world premiere in the NEXT section at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.[4] It will be available online for public viewing from 29 January to 1 February 2026, through the festival's at-home program.[1]
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Reception
Tom Dawson of Screen Daily called the film "a charming, defiantly regional human drama" with "a trio of strong performances," comparing its tone to The Ballad of Wallis Island meets The Wicker Man.[7] Nick Schager of The Daily Beast described it as "winningly weird" with "a wittiness that's almost as odd as its heart is big," praising Rankin's performance and comparing the film to The Banshees of Inisherin.[6] Fred Topel of UPI wrote that it is "exactly the kind of charming comedy that stands out in indie cinema."[12]
Awards
The Incomer won the NEXT Innovator Award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.[13]
