‘Frank and Percy’ Review – Ian McKellen And Roger Allam Make Finding Love Later In Life A Delight [LFF 2026]

Ian McKellen (The Good Liar) and Roger Allam (The Choral) falling in love while walking their dogs around Hampstead Heath sounds like a pretty good reason to watch a movie. And that’s before you add a few familiar faces, plenty of cheeky humor, and some genuinely touching moments. Based on Ben Weatherill’s stage play, Frank and Percy is a delightful comedy-drama that doesn’t pretend to be anything particularly groundbreaking. Directed by Sean Mathias (Bent), the film follows Frank (Allam), a widowed former history teacher, and Percy (McKellen), an outspoken academic whose paths cross during their daily dog walks. Their unlikely friendship gradually develops into romance, bringing plenty of unexpected changes to their otherwise settled lives. It’s a familiar setup, but surprisingly hard to resist.

Two Very Different Men, One Wonderful Romance

McKellen is having an absolute ball as Percy. He’s mischievous, outspoken, and always ready with another cheeky remark, often at the most inappropriate moment. He clearly enjoys playing someone who doesn’t care much what others think. But Percy has more than his outrageous personality. Beneath all that confidence is a man who still finds himself vulnerable when it comes to matters of the heart. McKellen brings out that softer side beautifully without losing any of the character’s wonderful sense of humor.

Allam takes a quieter approach, and he’s every bit as good. His Frank is reserved, practical, and perfectly comfortable with his familiar routines. Having lost his wife, he’s not exactly looking to turn his life upside down again. Yet something lovely happens as that certainty gradually fades and Frank begins to fall for Percy. Allam captures his growing affection through the smallest gestures, whether it’s a slightly awkward smile or a gentle touch.

Together, they’re a joy to watch, with a chemistry that makes their growing affection feel completely natural. Having already played these roles onstage, McKellen and Allam seem entirely at ease with one another. Percy’s unpredictability constantly challenges Frank’s more traditional outlook, leading to some wonderfully funny exchanges. Mathias clearly understands that their chemistry is the film’s greatest asset. He gives them room to enjoy the dialogue, knowing that one of Percy’s outrageous comments, followed by Frank’s wonderfully unimpressed reaction, can be as entertaining as a more elaborate scene. Their ability to move between humor and tenderness also makes the relationship increasingly touching as the story unfolds.

A Colorful World Full of Familiar Faces

The world of Frank and Percy feels wonderfully inviting, with Hampstead Heath providing a beautiful backdrop for the pair’s early encounters. Ryan Eddleston’s (The Fight) cinematography gives the film a natural warmth that suits its relaxed storytelling, while the costumes reflect the characters’ different personalities. Percy happily embraces brighter colors, whereas Frank initially prefers a more restrained wardrobe. As their relationship develops, a little more color gradually finds its way into Frank’s life, reflecting how much he’s beginning to change. It’s a subtle but effective detail that adds another layer to their romance without drawing too much attention to itself. The film also makes good use of its London setting, creating a cozy, lived-in atmosphere where even the simplest conversations feel like an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

That vibrant atmosphere extends to the supporting cast, which brings together some familiar faces from film and television. Rob Brydon (My Lady Jane) adds a dose of humor as a massage therapist, while Stephen Fry (Treasure) has fun playing Percy’s difficult ex-partner. Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who) and Hugh Skinner (Fleabag) also make appearances during Percy’s dating adventures. These brief encounters add to the film’s playful charm, giving McKellen and Allam some entertaining characters to interact with along the way.

However, the supporting cast offers more than comic relief. Joanna Lumley (The Wolf Of Wall Street) brings a quieter, more emotional side to the story as Belinda, Frank’s sister-in-law. What initially seems like another warm supporting role becomes increasingly heartbreaking as her struggles grow more apparent. Lumley handles those changes beautifully, introducing a sadness that contrasts with the film’s otherwise cheerful atmosphere.

Familiar Territory, But Impossible Not to Enjoy

That contrast between happiness and life’s more difficult realities also shapes Frank and Percy’s relationship. Their romance follows a familiar path: two very different people find love before disagreements and health concerns threaten their newfound happiness. Just as everything seems to fall into place, another complication arrives. It’s easy to predict where some of these developments are headed, especially as the feature moves toward its climax.

The film knows what story it wants to tell and rarely strays, but its humor and affectionate dialogue make the familiar plot enjoyable. The film’s theatrical origins occasionally show, particularly when extended conversations take priority over the action. Some exchanges could have been tighter, but the relaxed pacing generally suits the characters and their developing relationship. Rather than relying on unexpected twists, the film leans on the emotional connection between its characters to keep us invested.

Frank and Percy might not be the most original romance, and it doesn’t need to be. McKellen’s infectious energy, Allam’s understated warmth, and the occasional emotional surprise make their time together a genuine pleasure. What begins as an easygoing comedy delivers plenty of laughs alongside a few unexpectedly sad moments. It’s a lovely reminder that life can still bring love, affection, and plenty of surprises, no matter how old you are.

Frank and Percy is screening at the BFI London Film Festival, courtesy of Icon Film Distribution. The film is set to hit U.K. theaters in early 2027, with a U.S. release date yet to be announced.