Here’s your first look at Bill Nighy’s dramatic transformation for “very original” British drama

A first look has been revealed for & Sons, the “very original” British drama starring Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Johnny Flynn and George MacKay.

Adapted from David Gilbert’s 2013 novel, & Sons will celebrate its worldwide premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

Helmed by The Clan’s Pablo Trapero, & Sons will mark the acclaimed Argentinian director’s English-language movie debut.

Acting royalty Nighy leads the cast, transforming into the long-haired, bearded recluse and literary legend, Andrew Dyer.

Via TIFF, & Sons “explores artistic aspirations and mortality in this very original and entertaining drama”.

Courtesy of TIFF

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The description for the film reads: “It’s been 20 years since Andrew Dyer (Nighy) has written a word — or left the house. In those two decades, he fathered a child outside his marriage, lost his long-suffering wife (Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton), and has been mostly estranged from his other sons.

“Following the death of an old friend, Andrew’s sense of his own mortality surges — exacerbated by his alcoholism — so he decides to bring together all his offspring for the first, and likely last time.

“Elder brothers Richard (Johnny Flynn) and Jamie (George MacKay) reluctantly return home despite old resentments, believing their father wants to soothe his conscience by making amends. Instead, their father reveals a secret regarding their half-brother Andy Jr. (Noah Jupe) that rewrites their family history in the most surprising way.”

Gareth Cattermole//Getty Images

Ahead of the film’s release, Trapero revealed what drew him to the project.

“What appealed to me most was the universality of a ‘normal’ family dynamic as the core of the storytelling,” he said (via Deadline).

“Our most intimate relationships are usually our most complicated. & Sons tells the story of a collection of people who are all flawed and trying to find peace with one another, although struggling to do so.

“The unexpected, surreal twist makes things beautifully more complicated. The sensational cast, that I am thrilled to be working with, is a dream come true.”

& Sons will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film is yet to receive an official release date.

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Megan is a freelance news reporter for Digital Spy.