The Incomer is an upcoming 2026 comedy, drama, and fantasy movie directed and written by Louis Paxton. The film stars Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin, Grant O’Rourke, Emun Elliott, Michelle Gomez, and John Hannah. The story follows siblings Isla and Sandy, who live on a remote Scottish island. Their unusual life changes when Daniel, an awkward council worker, arrives to move them to the mainland. The movie was inspired by director Louis Paxton’s Orcadian family heritage and was filmed in Scotland during the summer of 2025.
The Incomer follows Isla and her brother Sandy, who live on a remote Scottish island. They spend their days hunting seabirds, talking to mythical beings, and protecting their home from outsiders. Their quiet life changes when Daniel, a lonely and socially awkward council worker, arrives on the island. He has been sent to move the siblings to the mainland, but Isla and Sandy refuse to leave their home.
The Incomer had its world premiere in the NEXT section at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2026. It is scheduled for release in the United States on September 25, 2026. The film was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland on September 4, 2026.
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When and Where Was The Incomer Filmed?
| Film Name | The Incomer |
|---|---|
| Genres | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy |
| Filming Locations | Caithness and various locations across the Scottish Highlands, Scotland |
| Filming Dates | Summer 2025 |
| Cinematography by | Pat Golan |
| Release Date | September 4, 2026 (UK and Ireland); September 25, 2026 (US) |
Principal photography for The Incomer took place in Caithness and various Scottish Highlands locations during the summer of 2025. The film’s Scottish setting was important to director Louis Paxton, who drew inspiration from his family’s Orcadian heritage. The natural landscapes of northern Scotland helped create the remote and isolated world seen in the movie.
📍Caithness, Scotland
The Incomer was filmed in Caithness during the summer of 2025. The area helped the filmmakers create the remote Scottish setting needed for the story. Its natural landscape fits the film’s story about two siblings living away from the mainland and defending their home from outsiders.
📍Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Various locations across the Scottish Highlands were also used for filming The Incomer. The wide and rugged Highland landscape helped create the isolated feeling of the fictional Scottish island. These locations also matched the film’s unusual mix of comedy, drama, fantasy, and Scottish folklore.
The Incomer Behind the Scenes
To make The Incomer feel close to director Louis Paxton’s Scottish roots, the production was filmed on location in Caithness and across the Scottish Highlands. Paxton was inspired by his family’s Orcadian heritage when developing the film.
The director described The Incomer as a heartfelt, odd, and funny story. He also named Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Step Brothers as influences on the movie. The film was produced by Shirley O’Connor and Emily Gotto under the UK production company Pilea Pictures, with Wendy Griffin serving as co-producer.
The movie was backed by the British Film Institute, Screen Scotland, Head Gear, and Ireland’s Inevitable Pictures. Executive producers include Trevor Noah and musician Moby through their production companies.
The cast also includes Domhnall Gleeson as Daniel, Gayle Rankin as Isla, and Grant O’Rourke as Sandy, alongside Emun Elliott, Michelle Gomez, and John Hannah.
Is there any trailer available for The Incomer?
Yes, an official trailer for The Incomer is available. The trailer gives viewers a look at the remote Scottish setting and introduces Daniel, Isla, and Sandy.
The Incomer is set to be released on September 25, 2026 in the United States. The film is distributed internationally by Focus Features, while Universal Pictures is handling its theatrical release in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Sumerian Pictures acquired the North American distribution rights.
FAQs
Q1: Where was The Incomer filmed?
A1: The Incomer was filmed in Caithness and various locations across the Scottish Highlands in Scotland.
Q2: When was The Incomer filmed?
A2: Principal photography for The Incomer took place during the summer of 2025.
Q3: Was The Incomer filmed in Scotland?
A3: Yes. The Incomer was filmed in Caithness and other locations across the Scottish Highlands.
Q4: Who directed The Incomer?
A4: The Incomer was written and directed by Louis Paxton.
Q5: What is The Incomer about?
A5: The Incomer follows siblings Isla and Sandy, who live on a remote Scottish island. Their life changes when Daniel, a council worker, arrives to move them to the mainland.
Q6: When will The Incomer be released?
A6: The Incomer was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland on September 4, 2026, and is scheduled for release in the United States on September 25, 2026.
Q7: Can I visit the filming locations of The Incomer?
A7: Caithness and the Scottish Highlands are real places that can be visited, but the specific filming spots may include private areas. Visitors should check local access rules before planning a trip.
The Incomer brings the remote beauty of Scotland to the big screen. The movie was filmed in Caithness and various locations across the Scottish Highlands during the summer of 2025. These natural Scottish landscapes help create the isolated setting at the heart of the story.
With Louis Paxton directing and a cast led by Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin, and Grant O’Rourke, The Incomer combines comedy, drama, fantasy, and Scottish folklore in a unique story about family, belonging, and change.
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