The Incomer Review: A Charming Scottish Fairy Tale Elevated by Gayle Rankin’s Performance

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Isla and Sandy live a secluded life on a remote Scottish island, following a simple rule left by their father: protect the island, don’t let anyone in, and survive. They hunt for food, rely on each other, and avoid all contact with the outside world. Their quiet existence is disrupted when a man named Daniel (Domhnall Gleeson) arrives, intent on forcing them to leave their home. Before Daniel’s arrival, their days were mostly peaceful, though occasionally marked by strange discoveries – like the red object Sandy finds and initially believes to be either a weapon or a toy.

This delightful and endearing film is a fairy tale for adults, and while its playful, quirky humor is what makes it special, it also holds it back a bit. Gayle Rankin gives a wonderful performance that truly brings the movie to life, but the story itself feels somewhat thin. You can tell this is director Louis Paxton’s first feature film, as his unique style doesn’t quite sustain itself throughout. However, beneath its simple story lies a lovely message about the power of storytelling—and how we often need to break free from the narratives passed down by our families and society. Maybe being comfortable isn’t always the most important thing.

I’ve grown up hearing the story of Isla and Sandy, who’ve lived on this island for thirty years. Their father supposedly sacrificed himself to the sea to protect them from people on the mainland – he believed they were dangerous and would steal from us. We’re taught this through little animated stories. According to the tale, these ‘mainlanders’ try to trick islanders with promises of easy lives and nice things in their fancy cities. But Isla and Sandy – and honestly, a lot of us – see it as something much darker, an evil force we need to fight, even if it means using force.

The siblings’ understanding of the situation is thrown into question when Daniel appears. He seems genuinely kind and harmless, much like the actor who plays him. However, they’re determined to follow their rules and plot to capture and kill him, nearly succeeding. At the last possible moment, Daniel realizes he can simply deceive them – perhaps by claiming to be a wizard with magical abilities. He offers seemingly magical ‘proof’ – playing music and taking photos on his phone.

“The Incomer” shares a playful, energetic style with the film “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” but also features a quiet, character-driven humor reminiscent of “The Ballad of Wallis Island.” The film focuses on three lonely characters and uses their stories to explore the trade-offs between embracing change and sticking with tradition. It suggests that there’s a certain ease in accepting the beliefs passed down from previous generations, but also a comfort in conforming to the demands of modern life.

It’s enjoyable to watch the three characters connect, but the introduction of romantic feelings through Paxton feels forced and unbelievable. While it’s understandable they’d be drawn to someone new after being isolated for so long, the story is stronger when their connection remains platonic. The movie doesn’t explore the characters’ sexuality in a particularly deep or nuanced way.

The film shines when it focuses on its quiet, poetic moments. One particularly touching scene involves Daniel being welcomed to the island – his siblings encourage him to stand on a cliff and imagine he can fly. It’s a small act, but because the director has so effectively portrayed Daniel as someone who always avoids confrontation, watching him risk everything feels genuinely thrilling. At its best, the film delivers emotional impact with the same clarity and grace as a Billy Collins poem. However, the film occasionally loses its way when it leans too heavily into sentimentality, particularly through the character of Sandy. While the actor is charming, Sandy’s naiveté sometimes undermines the story’s logic.

Overall, the film is successful, largely thanks to Rankin’s outstanding performance. While already a well-established actress, this role might be her best yet. She brings a sense of realism to what could have been a silly movie, making her character’s wants and struggles feel incredibly real and moving. The film beautifully explores how our childhood stories shape us, and it’s touching to see Isla both embrace and question those narratives. It’s enjoyable to watch Sandy learn to walk, but it’s even more rewarding to see Isla discover her own strength and soar.

The Incomer screened at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

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2026-01-23 05:38