Glenrothan is a home coming movie about succession, which is interesting given it’s Brian Cox’s (from Success fame) first directorial debut. Well worth a look for Alan Cumming singing alone.
Movie Glenrothan Loch View Courtesy Of Protagonist Pictures
The movie is set in the rolling Scottish Highlands where Sandy Nairn (Brian Cox) overseas the 200-year-old family whisky distillery. As a teen, his younger brother Donal (Alan Cumming) had dreams of staying home and running the distillery, while Sandy longed to travel. But fate thought otherwise and so did their tough father when he banished Donal form the family home.
Neary 40 years on Donal is thriving in Chicago in his own blues club, thoughts of returning home have never entered his mind. His daughter Amy (Alexandra Shipp) and granddaughter though have other ideas, as they visit Uncle Sandy every year.
When the Chicago club burns down, Donal is convinced to return home after receiving a letter from Sandy. At Glenrothan he is confronted with old ghosts and past friendships such as his best childhood friend Jess (Shirley Henderson). Will old grievances be healed?
Glenrothan is a home coming movie about sibling rivalry set in the backdrop of a long-standing family business. It explores the notions of how long people cast a shadow over our lives, whether grudges should last a lifetime and the connection between duty and fate.
As I watched the extras run during the credits I pondered:
- It’s interesting that for his first directorial debut Cox chose a movie about succession (for those who don’t know he was brilliant in the Succession TV series);
- What a treat to hear Cumming sing. I was lucky enough to see him perform live and it’s nice to see that talent recorded on film. He must have no trouble saying yes to a movie set in both Scotland and a jazz club. In a head spin of art imitating life, Cumming owns his a jazz club in real life;
- Both Cox and Cumming are great as you would expect;
- It was also brilliant to see on Shirley Henderson on screen again. I’ve always loved her work;
- Make sure you watch the credits.
In cinemas June 25 for more information go to Luna Cinemas.
