Glenrothan Review: Brian Cox Directs Sentimental Brotherly Drama
Brian Cox makes his directorial debut with Glenrothan, a sentimental comedy-drama written by David Ashton that explores the troubled reunion of two estranged brothers in the Scottish Highlands. Cox stars as Sandy, the glowering head of a profitable family-owned distillery, who invites his younger brother Donal, played by Alan Cumming, back home amid health concerns and succession questions. Donal, a former rebel living in Chicago with his daughter and granddaughter, returns despite past trauma involving their stern father. The film contrasts Sandy’s corporate responsibility with Donal’s free-spirited nature, while addressing themes of family legacy and forgiveness. Although the review notes the film can be overly soppy and resembles comfortable Sunday-night television, it praises its big-hearted narrative and stunning panoramic visuals of the Highlands. Key supporting roles include Shirley Henderson as Jess, Sandy’s competent manager and former love interest, and Alan Cox as their father in flashbacks. The story draws inevitable comparisons to Cox’s role in Succession but offers a gentler, more emotional tone centered on whisky connoisseurship and familial bonds.
Wire timeline
Glenrothan Review: Brian Cox Directs Sentimental Brotherly Drama
Brian Cox makes his directorial debut with Glenrothan, a sentimental comedy-drama written by David Ashton that explores the troubled reunion of two estranged brothers in the Scottish Highlands. Cox stars as Sandy, the glowering head of a profitable family-owned distillery, who invites his younger brother Donal, played by Alan Cumming, back home amid health concerns and succession questions. Donal, a former rebel living in Chicago with his daughter and granddaughter, returns despite past trauma involving their stern father. The film contrasts Sandy’s corporate responsibility with Donal’s free-spirited nature, while addressing themes of family legacy and forgiveness. Although the review notes the film can be overly soppy and resembles comfortable Sunday-night television, it praises its big-hearted narrative and stunning panoramic visuals of the Highlands. Key supporting roles include Shirley Henderson as Jess, Sandy’s competent manager and former love interest, and Alan Cox as their father in flashbacks. The story draws inevitable comparisons to Cox’s role in Succession but offers a gentler, more emotional tone centered on whisky connoisseurship and familial bonds.
The Guardian