2026 Sundance Film Festival Critique – The Incomer

      The Incomer, 2026.

      Written and Directed by Louis Paxton.

      Featuring Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin, Grant O’Rourke, Emun Elliott, Michelle Gomez, John Hannah, Adam McNamara, Neil Bratchpiece, Paddy Kondracki, Annabella Forbes, Vanessa Donovan, and Natasha Reid.

      SYNOPSIS:

      On an Orkney island, siblings Isla and Sandy engage in bird hunting and converse with mythical beings while fending off outsiders. Their lives take a turn when Daniel, an awkward official, arrives with intentions to relocate them.

      In Louis Paxton’s The Incomer, Isla (Gayle Rankin) and Sandy (Grant O’Rourke), filled with charisma and excellent comedic timing, have spent approximately 30 years in isolation on an Orkney isle, as instructed by their father (John Hannah) to avoid the company of strangers. The reasons behind them being the last residents are rooted in Scottish folklore shared by their father, which includes the necessity of a generational sacrifice to the sea for their survival. This notion seems absurd, especially when Isla is seen speaking with a "Fin Man" in the ocean, also portrayed by John Hannah, who underscores the threats posed by the sea and mainland society.

      Isla’s duty is to care for her naïve, literal-minded brother, with narration suggesting that their situation is typical; they are the island’s seagulls. Shortly after presenting this quirky lifestyle, which occasionally involves dressing like seagulls in straw and medieval-style masks for bird hunting, and Isla narrating mythical stories to Sandy, an outsider appears: Daniel (Domhnall Gleeson), a land eviction specialist sent to relocate them to the mainland. This sets off a series of comedic events: the siblings are utterly unaware of the outside world and oblivious to 30 years of technological progress, leading them to react with humorous aggression (Isla is particularly protective and outrageously funny, showcasing a brilliant performance from Gayle Rankin). Daniel attempts to win them over by cleverly using his cellphone as a tool, presenting himself as a wizard, and amusingly recounting some ridiculous Lord of the Rings fanfiction related to his monotonous job.

      The dynamics between these characters (Daniel ultimately receives backup from an overly dramatic survivalist on suspension for previous violent conduct) lead to hilariously absurd confrontations filled with irreverent dialogue, making one wish the film could simply continue in its comedic vein. It excels in the entertaining banter and mind games between the siblings and Daniel. Amidst the humor and various scenes in Daniel’s office, a contrasting depiction arises: perhaps the external world isn’t as ideal as it's presented, and these eccentric siblings are, in a way, doing things correctly by remaining distanced from society on their small island.

      The film is not strictly about political or contemporary issues; it instead highlights the soul-sucking nature of a 9-to-5 office job for someone who is an awkward, introverted recluse. Daniel tries to convince the siblings that life will be better on the mainland. However, his disheartened outlook and the realization that his job, which he thought would be rewarding, has not improved his life, indicate it may not benefit them either. Additionally, a traumatic element involving the Fin Man (a figure seemingly visible only to Isla) highlights some troubling aspects related to her father and her fears of leaving the secluded island for society. The film successfully balances humor with serious themes, presenting a persuasive argument from both perspectives.

      As the story progresses, despite their initial differences, a bond forms among the three characters. The siblings, having never experienced romantic or intimate relationships, start to develop such feelings, particularly with Sandy beginning to explore his sexuality. Some may have reservations about how Louis Paxton concludes The Incomer, but that is almost inconsequential given the film’s humor and emotional core. Embrace The Incomer wholeheartedly; it’s a laughter-filled experience with deeply resonant moments.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder