A brother and sister live alone on a remote island all their lives. They made their own rules, their own society, and their own beliefs. Much of that stems from their father’s last wish: defend the island at all costs. So, many years ago, when a meek man was playing Domhnall Gleeson appeared, things were not going well for him. But eventually, his appearance maybe will be the best thing for everyone.

That’s the most basic setup of The Incomea new film that premiered in the world this week on the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Written and directed by Louis Paxton, it’s a unique blend of mythology, comedy, and a coming-of-age story, with a bit of animation built in as well.

First, Paxton introduces us to Isla (Gayle Rankin) and Sandy (Grant O’Rourke). They are the isolated brothers who spend their days dressed as birds, talking to each other, and doing everything possible to prevent anything from happening away from the island they have known all their lives. You’d expect people like that to be weird, and Isla and Sandy certainly are. But they are also good and capable in a way that is relevant.

Gleeson, the star wars, Harry Potterand Ex Machina star, playing Daniel. Daniel works for a small government agency whose job is to relocate people who live in places they don’t need. So, he was sent to the island by Isla and Sandy to do that. But Daniel isn’t exactly strong, and Isla and Sandy aren’t doing so well. They saw him as an “incomer” and informed him that he was not welcome.

The fish-out-of-water scenario, which goes both ways, is, in fact, played for humor and heart. It’s also funny when Daniel tries to explain the internet to the pair like when they show him some of their daily routines. He tries to explain what it means to be vegan as they devour a seagull they just caught. And yet, there is always curiosity and wonder among the trio. Isla and Sandy have never met except each other. And Daniel has never met people like Isla and Sandy. A kinship begins, then trust, and we see the three become friends and more.

All this is infused with a welcome and additive mythological undercurrent. Isla and Sandy believe the stories their father told them about the dangerous sea creatures that rule the island and the power of the birds that fly around it. Daniel is a Dungeons and Dragons guy, so he uses his vast knowledge of the fantasy genre to wow and impress the brothers. Everything was wonderful and beautiful until Daniel’s employers called.

There are moments of time The Income where you feel like you know where it’s going. Moments where it has a slightly familiar feel. At that time, it almost lost its way. But as the story unfolds and reaches its climax, it comes together in such a satisfying way that my face hurts from smiling. That, in the end, is the best thing about it The Income. This is a film about what is important in life. About the courage to take a chance. And how you treat others in a long, long way.

Gleeson is his usual charming, awkward self in the film, especially as we see him slowly falling apart over the course of the film. But that’s even better thanks to how amazing Rankin and O’Rourke are in the movie. Each embraces and embodies a very specific, fascinating take on what this isolated life can do to a person, and you’ve never seen anything quite like any of them. They have no use for the world and are innocent but also stubborn and confident. Even if they are completely wrong, you want them to be right.

The Income no US distribution yet, but I have to imagine that will happen soon. It’s a whimsical, heartfelt, fun crowd-pleaser. You can see it this week via Sundance Film Festival online portal.

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