The Incomer – Review

Ilsa (Rankin) and her brother Sandy (O’Rouke) have lived on a tiny remote island off the Scottish coast, surviving their parents’ disappearance decades ago by hunting and gathering. They were told while young: ‘Defend the isle. Allow no incomer. Survive.’ Simple! Especially when there are birds to eat and windy hills to practice defensive battle tactics upon. Life is good.

Isla goes down to the shore and talks to her intriguing sea creature dude Finman (Hannah) who offers her a fine time in the water, while Sandy discovers a wild new toy on the beach. Things are more interesting than one would expect! But then… there is a boat on the dock! OH NO!

As Daniel (Gleeson), Land Recovery Coordinator for the Northeastern Scottish Council, explains to them that under Subsection 3 of the Island Tenancy Act of 1986, the pair is informed of their impending eviction and that they will be relocated to the mainland. Daniel however isn’t a big fan of this in-person tactic, but his boss Roz (Gomez) sends his timid self regardless.

As Daniel “meets” the two siblings, which are fully prepared to defend the island from Incomers, things get real. As a clash of culture and knowledge provide seemingly endless comedy, how will this trio deal with all the stress, and the possibility of other mainlanders heading their way?

The Incomer is wildly creative and full of entertaining dialogue and situations. Despite this all mostly leading to strong comedy, there is a strange realism to the characters even with exaggerations present. This creates a welcoming atmosphere and whimsical times with fun characters, and allows for emotional attachment.

Awkward and quirky characters often blend together well when given a proper atmosphere and enough care as opposed to simply boiling them down to one odd behavior. The Incomer presents a good script with a decent enough plot to allow its characters to breathe and grow into well-realized people. The comedy remains strong throughout.

“Well, why would your face come at me that fast?!”