Frank and Percy Review: Ian McKellen and Roger Allam Shine 2026

In the new film Frank and Percy, Ian McKellen and Roger Allam shine as two lonely dog walkers whose bromance blossoms into romance. This silver-years love story, adapted from Ben Weatherill's stage play by screenwriter Martin Sherman, offers a tender and sweet exploration of new experiences and new ideas.

A Bromance Becomes Romance on Hampstead Heath

Frank (Roger Allam) is a retired history teacher whose wife died of cancer a few years ago. He walks his dog Toffee on Hampstead Heath, where he frequently encounters Percy (Ian McKellen), an academic sociologist and climate scientist, walking his dog Bruno. Percy is acrimoniously separated from his ex-partner (Stephen Fry), a waspish and self-pitying figure. Despite their differences, both men are lonely—Frank mopes around the garden centre and volunteers at a charity shop, while Percy buries himself in his work.

Their initial encounters are marked by witty banter and a gradual, unspoken connection. As they spend more time together, their friendship deepens into something more, challenging their preconceptions about love and companionship in later life.

Star-Studded Supporting Cast

The film boasts an all-star gallery of supporting turns, including Joanna Lumley as Belinda, Frank's sister-in-law who is poignantly suffering from early onset dementia. Lumley delivers a terrific performance, adding depth and heart to the narrative. Derek Jacobi also appears as a charity shop volunteer, bringing his trademark charm to the role.

Sean Mathias directs this expanded movie version, having previously directed the two-hander stage play. The transition from stage to screen allows for more expansive storytelling, though it occasionally leans into sitcom-cartoony characterisation.

Critical Reception and Key Takeaways

Critics have praised the film's easy-going good nature and the chemistry between McKellen and Allam. However, some have noted a tendency towards sugary sentimentality, underscored by an autumnal woodwind score that tells viewers how to feel. Despite these minor flaws, the movie's charm wins out.

• Heartwarming performances: McKellen and Allam deliver nuanced, relatable portrayals of loneliness and late-life love.
• Strong supporting cast: Joanna Lumley and Derek Jacobi add star power and emotional resonance.
• Balanced tone: The film blends humour and pathos, though it occasionally veers into sentimentality.
• Universal themes: The story explores loneliness, connection, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.

Comparison of Stage Play and Film Adaptation

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