Slow Horses star’s near-perfect ’90s-set drama with “heartfelt” plot finally gets UK release date

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Okay, so I’m super excited because My Father’s Shadow is finally coming out in the UK! I’ve been hearing amazing things about it – it’s been getting rave reviews at film festivals, and even played at Cannes, which is huge! Apparently, it was the first Nigerian film *ever* to be officially selected for Cannes, which is seriously impressive. I’ve been waiting for this one!

The movie takes place over one day in Lagos, Nigeria, during the highly contested 1993 presidential election – a pivotal moment in a long era of political turmoil for the nation.

Inspired by the director and writer’s own lives, the film tells the story of two brothers traveling across Lagos with their father. Their trip home is complicated by the city’s growing unrest.

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In the series *Slow Horses*, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù portrays Folarin, the father of the Davies brothers. Since the brothers’ actual father passed away when they were young, they relied on shared memories and stories to help Dìrísù understand and play the role.

MUBI will release the film in the UK with a premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 17th, followed by a wider theatrical release across the UK and Ireland on February 6, 2026.

Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a very high rating, with 95% of critics recommending it based on 20 reviews.

Variety magazine highlighted Dìrísù’s performance as a breakthrough, predicting it will lead to many future roles. They noted he brought a realistic and compelling intensity to the fantastical elements of the story, delivering a quietly powerful performance.

The choice of Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo to play the young brothers was also praised as a brilliant move by the filmmakers.

According to a review from RogerEbert.com, this film is a stunning and emotionally devastating portrayal of loss. The review also highlights the captivating music, which shifts between uplifting and melancholic tones.

I saw a lot of great reviews for this movie! The Guardian said it was really rich, heartfelt, and totally worth watching, and The Hollywood Reporter called it elegant and moving – definitely sounds like something I need to check out.

The film *My Father’s Shadow* will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on February 6, 2026, after its first showing at the BFI London Film Festival in October of this year.

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2025-09-20 20:19