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The Incomer

Play trailer The Incomer 2026 1h 37m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 8 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
On a remote Scottish isle, siblings Isla and Sandy spend their days hunting seabirds and retelling the stories of their ancestors. They follow the strict rules inherited from their late father -- protect the island, allow no incomer, survive -- until one day, Daniel, an awkward and socially inept council official, arrives to evacuate them. Bringing with him the strange mainland ways of laws, paperwork, veganism and internet wizardry, he turns their world upside down. As long-held beliefs begin to crumble, each of them must confront the truth, embrace change, and dare to imagine a life beyond the island while fighting to preserve the heritage they have sworn to defend.

Critics Reviews

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Brian Tallerico RogerEbert.com 2d
'The Incomer’ can verge on being overly quirky, but Rankin, O’Rourke, and Gleeson make such smart choices throughout, not just in comic timing but in the traps they avoid. Go to Full Review Adrian Horton Guardian 3d
2/5
Where I was put off by The Incomer’s cutesy hijinks, others may find winsome messages on the fickle magic of human connection and the risks of snap judgment. To those people, I wish a pleasant stay on the isle. Go to Full Review Nick Schager The Daily Beast 4d
A winningly weird comedy—premiering at this year’s Sundance Film Festival—about isolation and community. Go to Full Review Marshall Shaffer The Playlist 16h
B
Paxton makes explicit that this is a story about making decisions from an outlook that favors hope over fear. And, at least for the duration of the film, he creates an imaginary universe where such a choice feels both logical and lovable. Go to Full Review Therese Lacson Collider 2d
7/10
Though some might find the comedy a bit too weird and overt, The Incomer happily wears its heart on its feathery sleeve and tells an unabashed story of isolation, connection, and love. Go to Full Review Norman Gidney HorrorBuzz 2d
7/10
Paxton keeps the heart of the film beating with a certain beguiling charm. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Louis Paxton

Director

Domhnall Gleeson

Actor

Gayle Rankin

Actor

Grant O'Rourke

Actor

Emun Elliott

Actor

Michelle Gomez

Actor
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The Incomer

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Movie Info

Synopsis On a remote Scottish isle, siblings Isla and Sandy spend their days hunting seabirds and retelling the stories of their ancestors. They follow the strict rules inherited from their late father -- protect the island, allow no incomer, survive -- until one day, Daniel, an awkward and socially inept council official, arrives to evacuate them. Bringing with him the strange mainland ways of laws, paperwork, veganism and internet wizardry, he turns their world upside down. As long-held beliefs begin to crumble, each of them must confront the truth, embrace change, and dare to imagine a life beyond the island while fighting to preserve the heritage they have sworn to defend.
Director
Louis Paxton
Producer
Shirley O'Connor, Emily Gotto
Screenwriter
Louis Paxton
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 37m