A brother and sister have lived alone on a remote island their entire lives. They’ve created their own rules, their own society, and their own beliefs. Most of that stems from the final wish of their father: defend the island at all costs. So, many years later, when a meek man played by Domhnall Gleeson shows up, things don’t go so well for him. But, eventually, his appearance might be the best thing for everyone.
That’s the very basic setup of The Incomer, a new film that world premiered this week at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Written and directed by Louis Paxton, it’s a unique blend of mythology, comedy, and coming-of-age story, with a little animation built in, too.
First, Paxton introduces us to Isla (Gayle Rankin) and Sandy (Grant O’Rourke). They’re the isolated siblings who spend their days dressing as birds, telling each other stories, and doing everything possible to shut out anything happening away from the island they’ve known their entire lives. You’d expect people like that to be weird, and Isla and Sandy certainly are. But they’re also wholesome and capable in a very relatable way.
Gleeson, the Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Ex Machina star, plays Daniel. Daniel works for a small government agency whose job is to relocate people who live in places they shouldn’t. So, he’s sent to Isla and Sandy’s island to do just that. But Daniel isn’t exactly forceful, and Isla and Sandy aren’t exactly amicable. They see him as nothing but an “incomer” and let him know he’s not welcome.
The fish-out-of-water scenario, which goes both ways, actually, is played for humor and heart. It’s equally hilarious when Daniel tries to explain the internet to the pair as it is when they show him some of their daily routines. He tries to explain what being a vegan means while they devour a seagull they just caught. And yet, there’s always curiosity and wonder brewing between the trio. Isla and Sandy have never met anyone besides each other. And Daniel has never met people quite like Isla and Sandy. A kinship begins, then trust, and we get to see the three become friends and so much more.
All of this is infused with a welcome and additive mythological undercurrent. Isla and Sandy believe in tales told to them by their father of dangerous sea creatures that rule the island and the powers of the birds that fly around it. Daniel is a Dungeons & Dragons guy, so he uses his vast knowledge of the fantasy genre to wow and impress the siblings. It’s all very lovely and charming until Daniel’s bosses come calling.
There are moments during The Incomer where you feel like you know where it’s going. Moments where it’s got a little bit of a familiar feeling. At those times, it almost loses its way. But as the story expands and reaches its climax, it coalesces in such a satisfying way that my face hurt from smiling. That, ultimately, is the best thing about The Incomer. It’s a film about what’s important in life. About the courage to take a chance. And how the way you treat others goes a long, long way.
Gleeson is his usual charming, awkward self in the film, especially as we watch that slowly broken down over the course of the film. But that works even better thanks to how incredible both Rankin and O’Rourke are in the movie. Each embraces and embodies a very specific, fascinating take on what this isolated life would do to a person, and you’ve never quite seen anything quite like either of them. They’re naive to the world and innocent but also stubborn and confident. Even when they’re totally wrong, you want them to be right.
The Incomer does not yet have U.S. distribution, but I have to assume that’ll happen soon. It’s a weird, heartfelt, enjoyable crowd-pleaser. You can see it this weekend via the Sundance Film Festival online portal.
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