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Glenrothan

Play trailer Glenrothan 2025 1h 37m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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17% Tomatometer 24 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Glenrothan is a story of family, forgiveness, and the possibility of healing. Set in the Scottish Highlands, two headstrong brothers (Alan Cumming and Brian Cox), are brought together at the country home of their 200-year-old family whiskey distillery after being estranged for almost 40 years.
Glenrothan

What to Know

Critics Consensus

An overwritten and emotionally inert misfire, Glenrothan waste its cast and premise on contrived storytelling, tonal misjudgments, and a surprisingly clumsy directorial effort from Brian Cox.

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Critics Reviews

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Laura Venning Empire Magazine Apr 24
2/5
While it may inspire you to book a Highland holiday, there’s little else to take away from such a soppy passion project. Go to Full Review
Wendy Ide Observer (UK) Apr 21
This double measure of heart-warming whimsy is too watered down to have much of a kick. Go to Full Review
Kevin Maher The Times (UK) Apr 20
1/5
Cox is unable to manufacture actual tension and so captures only a flatlining milieu where nothing of any dramatic value happens. Go to Full Review
Patrick Cremona Radio Times Apr 23
2/5
Combined with an overegged score and unconvincing dialogue, it adds up to a plodding drama where virtually every choice is the most basic one. Go to Full Review
Tom Shone Sunday Times (UK) Apr 20
2/5
Scotland looks magnificent, but then it always does. One to have on in the background of a winter’s evening while you mix up a hot toddy. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Sarah H @RT17671278 Apr 28 Glenrothan may not be the memorable cinematic film watch of the year, but it carries a thematic texture that may well stay with you. Based in the Scottish Highlands, the story revolves around the lives of two brothers (played by Alan Cumming and Brian Cox), estranged for almost 40 years. A forced reunion triggers a series of reflective anecdotal moments that draw the audience into the mind of character. The viewer is positioned to feel the unspoken emotions from the protagonist’s perspective, whilst hearing the frustrations of the other characters. Interestingly, both Cummings and Cox (who also directed the film) have aspects of their own lives played out on the screen. Anyone who has unresolved issues from their past or family traumas will be left with a nod to consider forgiveness and potential resolution, if not restoration. And for that reason it is worth a watch. See more rob H @Robhar11 Apr 28 A love song to the Scottish highlands. The film blends - no single-malt pun intended - family and legacy with the need to break free of both. Patriarch Brian Cox - who also directed - is the heart of the film, longing to reconnect with the wayward brother, played by Alan Cummings, who ran as far and as fast he could from the family business Cox's character, Sandy Nairn, has been sustaining for forty years. Cummings is credible in the pivotal role of the prodigal brother Donal - and his singing voice is a pleasant surprise. No surprise is the emotional impact Shirley Henderson brings to the part of the distillery boss who still carries a torch for Donal. The cinematography and music help transport us to a special place on the map and a special place in the heart in this engaging dramatic comedy. See more simon B @RT38807898 Apr 27 lovely gentle film, and good soundtrack. cannot believe the negative reviews?! See more Ann P @Abbeca Apr 24 Really enjoyed this gentle film, great soundtrack. Great chemistry between Brian Cox and Alan Cumming as estranged brothers. Would recommend 👌 See more Annabel M @RT13387863 Apr 23 Very disappointing. Trying to be like Local Hero but failing utterly with its clunking dialogue. Even this talented cast couldn't inject any humour or emotion into it. Sad that Brian Cox's debut as a director has been so unimpressive. See more Margaret S @RT10122323 Apr 23 One cliche after another. I was so bored and disappointed. The scenery and cinematography were wonderful but everything else was dire. See more Read all reviews
Glenrothan

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Movie Info

Synopsis Glenrothan is a story of family, forgiveness, and the possibility of healing. Set in the Scottish Highlands, two headstrong brothers (Alan Cumming and Brian Cox), are brought together at the country home of their 200-year-old family whiskey distillery after being estranged for almost 40 years.
Director
Brian Cox, Brian Cox
Producer
Neil Zeiger, Crystine Zhang, Phin Glynn, Nicholas Crum, James Cabourne, Vladimir Zemtsov
Screenwriter
David Ashton
Production Co
Brodie Productions, Blazing Griffin Pictures
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 37m