Get ready for a wild ride with The Incomer, a dark comedy that will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality! This eccentric film, set on a remote island, is a unique blend of folk horror and British humor, and it's sure to spark some heated debates.
Imagine a world where Scotland's Bill Forsyth, the master of folk-horror comedy, meets the iconic British comedy troupe, The League of Gentlemen. That's the essence of The Incomer, a quirky take on Local Hero, with a twist of Tubbs and Edward's famous grocery store defense. If these references don't ring a bell, you might be in for a mysterious ride, as this film's charm lies in its subtle weirdness.
The Incomer delves into the psyche of British island comedies, offering a refreshing take on the existential road movie genre. It draws inspiration from classics like I Know Where I'm Going and Whisky Galore!, but with a sinister twist reminiscent of The Wicker Man. The characters, Isla and Sandy, are a far cry from the conniving pagans of that film, struggling to keep up with the sophisticated mainlanders and their talk of cake and comfort.
Isla and Sandy, a sister-brother duo, live a lonely existence on Gull Island, abandoned by their parents in a darkly poetic way. Their constant bickering and Isla's dark fascination with the sea, especially a creepy merman, add a layer of intrigue. Isla's belief that throwing living people into the sea solves all problems is put to the test when a stranger, Daniel, arrives.
Daniel, a nerdy land recovery coordinator, is sent by his boss, Rose, to evict the pair and turn the island into a wildlife sanctuary. As Daniel falls under the spell of the eccentric siblings and their Tolkienesque story, The Lord of the Local Authority, the stage is set for a clash of worlds.
But here's where it gets controversial: the final act of the film takes an unexpected turn, with Rose becoming the Donald Trump of Gull Island. Writer-director Louis Paxton's debut feature leaves us wondering how he'll resolve the mess he's created.
Despite its frequent forays into silliness, The Incomer manages to pull off an emotionally mature ending, addressing the story's underlying sadness. It's a unique and thought-provoking film that will leave you wanting more.
So, are you ready to dive into the world of The Incomer? Sundance's World Dramatic Competition certainly thinks so!
Title: The Incomer
Festival: Sundance (World Dramatic Competition)
Director-screenwriter: Louis Paxton
Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin, Grant O'Rourke, Michelle Gomez, John Hannah
Sales agent: Charades
Running time: 1 hr 41 mins
