The debut feature film of renowned Scottish artist/filmmaker Henry Coombes, Seat in Shadow is a witty, perceptive study of social mores, sexual excess and the bizarre symbiotic relationship between doctor and patient, teacher and pupil; artist and muse.
Albert (David Sillars), an eccentric, aging painter doubling as an unconventional, Jung-inspired psychotherapist, is asked to counsel his friend’s lethargic grandson Ben (Jonathan Leslie), whose ongoing boyfriend problems are rapidly fueling an already deep depression. Their subsequent therapy sessions, though, seem to reveal as much about Albert as they do about the troubled young Ben. Soon, a deeply unusual bond is formed.
Seat in Shadow had it’s world premiere at Edinburgh International Film Festival where it was in competition for the Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature, and Best Actor in a British Feature. Lead actor David Sillars gives a bravura, tour de force performance as the unconventional therapist. It’s a committed, no holds barred portrait of an unusual, reclusive man. Director Henry Coombes offers a wildly unhinged view of gay life in Scotland – and with an equal mix of humor, poignancy and eroticism – delivers one of those most promising film debuts we’ve seen in a long time.
Check out the trailer, along with some select images below. Make sure to pre-order your copy here. Seat in Shadow comes to DVD via TLA Releasing in December.
