Film: Glenroathan

Official poster

Directed by Brian Cox in his directorial debut, Glenroathan is a heartwarming film about forgiveness and reconciliation set in highlands of Scotland. The film centres on the relationship of two brothers - Sandy Nairn played by Brian Cox and his younger brother, Donal, played with impish glee by Alan Cumming, who have been estranged for 40 years.

The family owns a small but well respected whisky distillery and Sandy, who has recently had a cancer diagnosis, asks his brother Donal to come to Scotland to see him. Sandy has been the good stay-at-home son sacrificing himself, to keep things going, while Donal, a bit of a maverick, escaped from their controlling father to pursue his dreams as a jazz pianist and has become the owner of a Chicago night club, 'Donal's Dive'.

When his club burns down Donal decides he will accompany his mixed race daughter Jess (Alexandra Shipp) and grand-daughter on their annual holiday to Glenroathan to see his brother. His less laudable intentions are also revealed as the film progresses.

It's good to see Brian Cox playing a nice guy for a change. Lovers of the ruthlessness and drama of Succession may not like this gentle tale, but I am sure the Scottish tourist board will be delighted at the idyllic way the Highlands are portrayed with beautiful scenery and promise of wonderful whisky and community singing down at the pub in the evenings. The film really lingers on these, showing Alan Cumming's great performing gifts, both in Glenroathan and back in Chicago.

The plot is a bit predictable but I didn't mind that as I like a happy ending, even though this one was a little too neat, particularly the way whisky really saves the day! But with so many films out there showing the dark side of human nature, it is heartening to see a film, where all's well that ends well.

Glenroathan goes on general release in UK and Irish cinemas on Friday, 17 April 2026.

See the official trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dMKFijZBoc