THIS thoroughly Scottish documentary opens with a woman in her living room, letters strewn around, speaking of how she likes to read them to remind herself of “him.” How she comes to be a part of the life of Uisdean Mackay steadily becomes clear in this simple but quietly affecting slice of true life regret, redemption and forgiveness.
Uisdean is a former heroin addict and convict who’s been allowed out of prison after 16 years so that he can help look after his elderly and ailing father Calum on the family croft. He tries to be the best man possible but struggles to come to terms with his newfound responsibilities and the weight of his past transgressions.
It’s a film of two halves, the first focusing mainly on his relationship with his father, weathered by past troubles brought about by Uisdean’s regrettable previous behaviour but now exists as a playfully jibing and caring companionship that will ring a bell of authenticity for many.
It switches gear later on as Uisdean meets Audrey, an English woman living in the Highlands who has been writing letters to him while in prison and with whom he starts a relationship. Where the film had perhaps been languishing or repeating itself a bit in the first segment, things pick up and it builds towards an ending that really stays with you.
Short-turned-feature director Lou McLoughlan presents the unfolding events with a pleasingly unfussy style that allows these people to flourish and for any revelations about Uisdean’s background – the exact nature of his addiction, the reason for his lengthy imprisonment – to pack unexpected power.
Four years in the making amidst the picturesque Scottish Highlands, it’s a modest film that chooses understatement where many others would otherwise play it for overwrought dramatics. This gives the drama an unshowy power as it gracefully explores the shattered life of one man and his attempt to pick up the pieces as best he can.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here