Glenrothan
| Glenrothan | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Brian Cox |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Jaime Ackroyd |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Lionsgate |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 99 minutes[1] |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Glenrothan is a 2025 British comedy-drama film directed by Brian Cox in his feature directorial debut. Described as a "love letter to Scotland", it stars Cox and Alan Cumming.
Glenrothan premiered at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival on 11 September 2025, and was released in the United Kingdom by Lionsgate on 17 April 2026.
Premise
[edit]After 40 years abroad, Donal returns to Scotland to make amends with his brother, Sandy.
Cast
[edit]- Alan Cumming as Donal
- Brian Cox as Sandy
- Shirley Henderson as Jess
- Alexandra Shipp as Amy
- Siobhan Redmond as Gus
Production
[edit]The film was announced in September 2021.[2][3] Director Brian Cox had previous worked on the radio drama series McLevy, written by David Ashton, who also co-wrote the screenplay for Glenrothan. Producer Neil Zeiger later urged Cox to direct Glenrothan himself, and he accepted.[4]
Principal photography began in Scotland in August 2024.[5] Filming locations included Glasgow and the village of Gartmore.[6][7] Production wrapped in October 2024.[8]
Release
[edit]Protagonist Pictures owns the international sales rights to the film.[4] It premiered at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival on 11 September 2025.[9][10] It was also screened in the Grand Public section of the 20th Rome Film Festival in October 2025.[11]
Glenrothan closed the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 12, 2026.[12]
The film was released cinematically in the United Kingdom on 17 April 2026.[13]
Reception
[edit]On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 19% based on 26 reviews, with an average rating of 4.0/10.[14]
Accolades
[edit]| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Film Awards UK | July 1, 2026 | Best Drama | Glenrothan | Nominated | [15] |
| Best Feature Film | Glenrothan | Won | |||
| Best Actor | Brian Cox | Nominated | |||
| Alan Cumming | Nominated | ||||
| Best Director | Brian Cox | Nominated | |||
| Best Comedy | Glenrothan | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ↑ "Glenrothan (12A)". British Board of Film Classification. 13 February 2026. Retrieved 17 February 2026.
- ↑ Ravindran, Manori (16 November 2021). "'Succession' Star Brian Cox Makes Film Directorial Debut With 'Glenrothan' for Lionsgate, Nevision". Variety. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ↑ Ritman, Alex (16 November 2021). "'Succession' Star Brian Cox to Make Directorial Debut With Scottish Whisky Drama 'Glenrothan' for Lionsgate". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- 1 2 Roxborough, Scott (4 September 2025). "Toronto: Brian Cox Trades Logan Roy's Ruthless Boardroom for the Director's Chair". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
- ↑ Tabbara, Mona (18 August 2024). ""Cinema is in a very bad way," says Brian Cox, on eve of production of directorial debut 'Glenrothan'". Screen Daily. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ↑ Robertson, Adam (15 January 2024). "Alan Cumming discusses new role in Brian Cox-directed distillery drama". The National. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ↑ Glen, Isla (25 September 2024). "Brian Cox and Alan Cumming spotted in Stirlingshire village as filming for Glenrothan begins". The Courier. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ↑ Ritman, Alex (17 October 2024). "Brian Cox's Directorial Debut, 'Glenrothan,' Reveals First-Look Image as Protagonist Launches Sales Ahead of AFM (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (21 July 2025). "TIFF Galas & Presentations: World Premieres 'Good Fortune', 'Nuremberg', Sydney Sweeney Pic 'Christy', Angelina Jolie 'Couture'; North American Debuts Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein', Dwayne Johnson 'Smashing Machine'". Deadline. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ↑ Vlessing, Etan (12 September 2025). "Brian Cox Suffers Kilt Wardrobe Blunder at Toronto Premiere: "It's Hard Not to Wear Underpants"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ↑ "Festa del Cinema di Roma 2025, il programma completo (diretta)" [Rome Film Fest 2025: Full program (live)]. Ciak Magazine (in Italian). 19 September 2025. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
- ↑ Chris Gardner (2 December 2025). "Maryam Touzani's 'Calle Malaga' to Open and Brian Cox's 'Glenrothan' to Close Palm Springs Film Fest". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
- ↑ "All Future Releases". Film Distributors’ Association. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
- ↑ "Glenrothan". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Nominations Press Release2026 | Global Film Academy". National Film Awards. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
External links
[edit]- Glenrothan at IMDb
