Near Wild Heaven

Following the death of her mother, terminally ill Aubrey tracks down her estranged father, Doug, an Irish-folk musician playing in a pub. After revealing the recent death of her mother, she convinces him to take her to scatter the ashes, offering him £200 for his time. After noticing a flyer for a music competition in Aberdeen, Doug spots an opportunity to make some money and agrees, relaying that the ashes be scattered in Cruden Bay, just outside of Aberdeen. As the two travel north to Scotland, Aubrey battles with her illness and Doug's stubborn behaviour, but the pair gradually find themselves becoming closer. This unravels when Aubrey finds the competition flyer, revealing the true reason for being in Aberdeenshire. A fierce argument breaks out and Aubrey storms down to the beach to scatter her mothers ashes alone. Doug follows her and stands looking on as the ashes are poured into the sea.

Directed by Dan Thorburn, Near Wild Heaven leans on a strong ensemble — Gareth George, Maddie Wakeling — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2019.