After decades of laboring as a Glasgow shipbuilder, Frank Redmond, a no-nonsense 55-year-old working-class man, suddenly finds himself laid off. For the first time in his life, he is without a job or a sense of direction, and he's too proud to ask for guidance. His best mates - rascally Danny, timid Norman and cynical Eddie - are there for him, but Frank still feels desperately alone. An offhand remark from Danny inspires Frank to challenge himself. Already contemplating the state of his relationships with loving wife Joan and all-but-estranged son Rob, Frank is determined to shore up his own self-confidence. He will attempt the near impossible - swimming the English Channel.
Acting
Peter Mullan's silences hit harder than his dialogue.
Direction
Gaby Dellal lets Glasgow breathe like a character.
Director
Gaby Dellal
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The film quietly critiques Thatcher-era deindustrialization; Frank's redundancy mirrors the death of Glasgow's shipbuilding identity.
Peter Mullan trained for months but still used a double for open-water shots. Brenda Blethyn learned to swim properly for her pool scenes.
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