Glasgow-Set Romantic Comedy 'Premature' Promises Fresh Take on Millennial Life and Love

A new romantic comedy, "Premature," set against the vibrant backdrop of Glasgow, is set to captivate UK audiences. The film follows two millennials navigating an unexpected pregnancy after a one-night stand, forcing them to confront their lives and burgeoning relationship.

Key Takeaways

• Premature" explores millennial anxieties about career, life choices, and responsibility.

• The film features homegrown Scottish talent, including James Rottger and Elle Watson.

• Writer-director Kevin Walls aimed to present a brighter, more contemporary vision of Glasgow.

• The independent film was made on a modest budget and is receiving a theatrical release.

A Modern Love Story Unfolds

"Premature" centres on two flatmates, Cameron and Eilidh, who find their lives turned upside down when they discover they are both pregnant following an impulsive encounter. The film delves into their awkward, absurd, and increasingly intimate journey as they attempt to prepare for parenthood, questioning their individual aspirations and their connection to each other.

Homegrown Talent Shines

The film boasts a cast of "homegrown talent." James Rottger, known for "Gary Tank Commander," plays the career-driven Cameron, while Elle Watson makes her feature debut as the struggling artist Eilidh. River City regular Gail Watson also features in the cast. The project also marks the feature film debut for writer-director Kevin Walls, who hails from Cumbernauld.

Themes of Self-Discovery and Responsibility

Walls stated his intention to explore "very millennial anxiety" through Cameron, the feeling that hard work and qualifications should guarantee a successful future. Eilidh, meanwhile, is depicted as avoiding artistic failure by not creating art. Walls explained that "Premature" was born from a similar impulse to create without waiting for permission. He emphasized that Eilidh's pregnancy is a catalyst for confronting avoidance, not a definition of her identity, stressing that her creativity and ambition remain intact.

A Vibrant Vision of Glasgow

Walls had a specific vision for portraying Glasgow, opting for bright colours and saturation to contrast with its often-portrayed bleakness. The independent film was shot over 23 days across various iconic Glasgow locations, including Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow School of Art, and the Griffin pub. "People fall in love in Glasgow, yet that version of the city isn’t always visible in film and television," Walls commented, aiming to offer a contemporary, romantic, and recognisably Scottish narrative that moves away from default bleakness.

Independent Spirit and Theatrical Release

"Premature" was funded through Walls' freelance work, with a budget of £16,000. He expressed a strong desire for the film to be seen in cinemas across the country, rather than risking it being lost as a digital-only release. Walls hopes the film, which he describes as a story about love and the internal struggle of figuring life out, will resonate with audiences and entertain them.

The initial script featured the main characters as a couple, but Walls found that switching them to flatmates offered more creative freedom to explore his themes, particularly within the context of late twenties/early thirties uncertainty. He believes that while Scottish films often excel in darker genres, there is also space for brighter, more relatable stories that feel closer to home.

Sources

• Romantic comedy set in Glasgow with 'homegrown talent' hits UK cinemas, The National Scot.