Two films that blend comedy and drama — "The Incomer" and "On a String" — open Oct. 2 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
On a remote Scottish isle, siblings Isla and Sandy (Gayle Rankin and Grant O'Rourke) spend their days hunting seabirds and retelling the stories of their ancestors. They follow the strict rules inherited from their late father — protect the island, allow no incomer, survive — until one day, Daniel (played by Domhnall Gleeson), an awkward and socially inept council official, arrives to evacuate them. Bringing with him the strange mainland ways of laws, paperwork, veganism and internet wizardry, he turns their world upside down. As long-held beliefs begin to crumble, each of them must confront the truth, embrace change and dare to imagine a life beyond the island while fighting to preserve the heritage they have sworn to defend.
"The Incomer," which is rated R for brief graphic nudity, is showing through Oct. 15.
In "On a String," Isabel (Isabel Hagen) is a young, Juilliard-trained violist still living at home with her parents in the heart of New York City. She is trying to make a living playing gigs with her friends but when her toxic ex-boyfriend reappears, who also happens to be the Philharmonic’s “newest, hottest cellist,” he informs her of a viola opening in the prestigious orchestra. Nothing can go wrong, right?
The film, which is rated R for some language and sexual content/nudity, plays through Oct. 8.
The fourth annual Ross Fright Fest also runs through Oct. 25. Learn more.
The Ross is closed on home football Saturdays, including Oct. 3 and 10.
For more information on films, including showtimes and ticket availability, visit the Ross’ website.
