Brian Cox makes his directorial debut with “Glenrothan,” a sentimental comedy-drama penned by David Ashton. The film centers on the fraught reunion of two estranged brothers in Scotland. While occasionally leaning towards sentimentality and reminiscent of comforting Sunday night television, this big-hearted film ultimately captivates its audience, complemented by stunning panoramic vistas of the Highlands.
Cox himself takes on the role of Sandy, the formidable head of a highly successful family-owned distillery that serves as the economic heart of the entire community. The distillery is managed by the exceptionally capable Jess, played by Shirley Henderson. Sandy effectively stepped into his father’s shoes, a stern figure remembered through intensely recalled flashback scenes. For this role, Brian Cox has amusingly cast his own son, Alan Cumming.