The Incomer US Release: Domhnall Gleeson's Scottish Island Folk Comedy Crosses The Atlantic

UK audiences have had The Incomer since September 4. From today, it opens in US theatres through Sumerian Pictures. It is a small, strange and very Scottish film, and it has been one of the more distinctive British releases of the year.

What The Incomer Is About

On a remote Scottish island, siblings Isla and Sandy have lived in isolation for 30 years. Their world is thrown off balance when Daniel, a land coordinator, arrives to relocate them. Isla is also haunted by visions of the Finman, a creature from Orkney folklore. What follows is a clash between islanders and mainlanders, played for comedy, heart and a touch of folk horror.

Cast And Crew

Domhnall Gleeson and Gayle Rankin lead, with Grant O'Rourke, Emun Elliott, Michelle Gomez and John Hannah in support. The film is written and directed by Louis Paxton. Focus Features and Universal handle the international release.

Sundance Win And Reviews

The Incomer premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January in the NEXT section, where it won the NEXT Innovator Award. Critics have called it winningly weird and a charming, defiantly regional human drama, with comparisons to The Banshees of Inisherin and The Wicker Man. Not everyone is sold: some reviewers found it too twee and felt it stays on surface-level comedy for too long. Gleeson and Rankin's combative back-and-forth has been the consistent highlight.

Quick Facts

• Film: The Incomer

• Director and writer: Louis Paxton

• Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin, Grant O'Rourke, Emun Elliott, Michelle Gomez, John Hannah

• Country: United Kingdom

• UK release: September 4, 2026

• US release: September 25, 2026 (Sumerian Pictures)

• Award: NEXT Innovator Award, Sundance 2026

FAQs

What is The Incomer about?

Two siblings who have lived alone on a remote Scottish island for 30 years face an outsider sent to relocate them.

Who directed The Incomer?

Louis Paxton wrote and directed the film.

Is The Incomer out in the UK?

Yes. It released in the UK and Ireland on September 4, 2026.

What award did The Incomer win?

The NEXT Innovator Award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.