Acclaimed actor Brian Cox has ventured into directing for the first time with his new film, "Glenrothan," a poignant whisky-and-wilderness tale. The 79-year-old Dundonian A-lister, known for his role in "Succession," not only stars in the movie but also made a deeply personal casting choice by selecting his own son, Alan Cox, to portray his character’s bullying father in flashback scenes. Brian Cox explained his decision, noting, “I needed someone who can be tough, hard and unremitting. I thought, ‘Who can I get. Ooh, I know!’ He can be tough, my son. Tough and unremitting. Alan can do that. It’s how I have found him to be in life, because he’s pretty unremitting with me sometimes.”

This isn't the first time the father-son duo have worked together; their previous collaboration was 50 years ago in a show called "The Devil’s Crown," where Alan played Brian's son as a boy. Furthermore, Brian Cox revealed that Alan’s personality profoundly influenced one of his most iconic roles. Forty years ago, when Alan was 15, discussions with director Michael Mann for "Manhunter" led Cox to channel his son's qualities for Hannibal Lecter, particularly the “righteous element” combined with a hint of confusion often found in English public schoolboys. Cox now reflects that “when I see Manhunter, everyone agrees, it’s Alan Cox.”

"Glenrothan," written by David Ashton, creator of the McLevy detective drama series, features an ensemble cast including fellow Scots Shirley Henderson and Siobhan Redmond, both hand-picked by Cox. The narrative centers on two siblings, portrayed by Brian Cox and Alan Cumming, who are driven apart after a family schism. The film premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation, with audiences captivated by the stunning Scottish scenery, the dynamics of a distillery, and Cumming’s character – a boy who left Scotland under a cloud to seek his fortune in Chicago.

Despite the film's softer, more sentimental tone contrasting with some of Cox’s grittier roles, he believes it’s a crucial offering for contemporary times. In an interview, he articulated, “We’re living in such a cynical time, a time when there are bad men like Trump and Putin and Netanyahu running the show. I think what we need is to show a compassionate view of the human dilemma.” He views "Glenrothan" as a counterbalance, portraying characters who are passionate and make human-level mistakes, unlike the “archetypal level” misdeeds of figures like Netanyahu, whose actions in Gaza he described as “atrocious.” Cox emphasized the importance of sentimentality to Scots, stating, “We can be rigid about some stuff, but we aren’t unsentimental.” At its core, the film delves into estrangement – between brothers, past and present, and ideal versus reality – while exploring the fragile possibility of redemption and how the rugged Scottish landscape can both divide and unite.

As a first-time director, Brian Cox prioritizes "truth, stillness, the quiet gestures that speak volumes" over flash or flourish. Approaching his 80th birthday in June, Cox remains active, hitting the gym thrice weekly despite a shoulder injury. He expresses no desire to retire, especially after his career soared with "Succession." While Alan Cox is currently playing Rupert Murdoch in a London theatre, Brian Cox himself is preparing to film the second series of "Dexter: Resurrection," where he will portray a retired serial killer. "Glenrothan" is slated for release in cinemas on April 17.