Familiarity with Scotland’s fierce independent streak and isolated landscapes goes a long way toward appreciating this dark, goofy comedy about a sister and brother (Gayle Rankin and Grant O’Rourke) who have, for decades, been the only residents on a remote Scottish isle. When a government official (Domhnall Gleeson) arrives with an eviction notice, they stand their ground in a myriad of wacky ways, including dressing up like giant, intimidating gulls. (In terms of tone, think of Jared Hess’ Napoleon Dynamite or Taika Waititi’s Eagle vs. Shark.) O’Rourke is the comic standout as the younger, infantilized brother, balancing naivete with a disturbing violent streak. Writer-director Louis Paxton, meanwhile, blends the antics with an affection for Scottish lore that is both lovingly and disturbingly visualized. An unrecognizable John Hannah emerges from the watery depths as a seal man who tries to goad the sister into suicide, while the tales she tells about the island each night come to life in animated segments drawn by Selina Wagner. Filmed along Scotland’s far northeast coast, The Incomer understands how such an end-of-the-world locale can either enchant you or drive you mad (sometimes both).
(9/21/2026)
