Domhnall Gleeson’s Heart in The Incomer
I found myself reflecting on the magic of filmmaking, and specifically on the unique journey of creating my first feature, The Incomer. It’s a story about a brother and sister marooned on an isolated island, the only home they’ve ever known, and the reluctant bureaucrat sent to evict them, played by Domhnall Gleeson.
As a first-time writer and director, the biggest challenge wasn’t just telling a story, but finding the right way to package it. I wanted the film to swing between genres—some parts were comedy, some moments leaned into horror, and others felt like an adventure or a sharp satire. The real secret was maintaining a singular, remarkably consistent tone across all those disparate elements. I realized the emotional core, the heart of the film, was what anchored everything else.
The process of managing that tonal balance was incredibly rewarding. It taught me that a story doesn’t have to fit neatly into a box; it can be a wonderfully messy combination of feelings. Ultimately, the emotional truth behind the narrative was the most important element, and that is what shone through.
Another fascinating aspect of the production involved authenticity. Bringing the film to life required a significant commitment to character, particularly the accent. Stepping onto the set in Scotland, surrounded by a Scottish crew and cast, felt surreal. Breaking out that Scottish accent was a memorable experience, and I worked hard with a wonderful dialect coach to ensure it felt genuine. We leaned on a few people on set, finding voices that naturally carried the right sound, which made the experience wonderfully collaborative.
A significant turning point in the film involved a moment where the characters finally embraced the power of storytelling. Watching the protagonist open up and tell his story felt like watching him shed layers he had been hiding. It reminded me that storytelling is fundamental—it connects us all, whether we are sitting around a campfire as children or watching a film together in a cinema. A well-told story has an undeniable power to bring people together and reveal something essential about the human experience.
Working on this independent film, despite the lack of a huge budget, was incredibly invigorating. It reinvigorated my passion for independent cinema. We were a small, dedicated group, away from home, focused entirely on making something good, driven by passion rather than paychecks. Everyone there was focused on bringing their best to the table, and that sense of shared dedication is what makes these kinds of projects so special.
Even the lighter, more fun elements, like the dancing in the promotional video, provided a wonderful reminder that the process itself—the sheer act of creating—is where the real magic lies. It was a reminder that sometimes, all you need is to trust your instincts and go for it.
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