Ian McKellen and Roger Allam reunite in the film adaptation of the stage play *Frank and Percy*, presenting a warm, if somewhat sentimental, exploration of friendship and romance in later life. The movie, which premiered at the London Film Festival, is directed by Sean Mathias and adapted for the screen by Martin Sherman from Ben Weatherill’s original two-hander.

Set primarily on Hampstead Heath, the story follows Frank (Allam), a retired history teacher who, after the death of his wife, spends his days walking his dog and volunteering at a charity shop. Percy (McKellen), a sociologist and climate scientist, is similarly solitary, navigating a tense separation from his ex-partner, portrayed by Stephen Fry. Both men are depicted as lonely figures seeking connection amid the rhythms of their quieter lives.

Their friendship gradually deepens, evolving into romance when Percy tentatively asks to kiss Frank, marking the beginning of a new chapter for them both. The relationship unfolds with a blend of humor and tenderness, highlighted by moments of light-heartedness such as Percy’s awkward attempts at dating younger men, played with comedic flair by Ncuti Gatwa and Hugh Skinner.

The film features a notable supporting cast, including Joanna Lumley as Belinda, a graceful woman coping with dementia. Her character adds an emotional layer to the narrative, particularly in a poignant scene where Belinda reflects on the bittersweet nature of love and loss later in life.

While the film’s score and character portrayals occasionally lean toward sentimentality and broad characterization, the overall tone remains gentle and good-natured. The producers have expanded on the original play’s intimate dynamic, incorporating more of the characters’ backgrounds and interactions.

*Frank and Percy* is set for a general theatrical release in early 2027, offering a reflective and reassuring portrayal of companionship and love among seniors.