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Glasgow has frequently appeared on the big screen in recent years, often serving as a backdrop for everything from superhero epics to futuristic science fiction films. However, a new romantic comedy titled *Premature* is set to showcase the city not as a stand-in for another place, but as itself. The film is due to be released in cinemas next Friday and was made on a very small budget, significantly less than major Hollywood productions such as *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*.
Written and directed by Kevin Walls, *Premature* was filmed extensively across Glasgow, featuring iconic landmarks like Kelvingrove Art Gallery alongside more everyday settings such as a flat in the city’s east end. The story centers on misaligned flatmates Cameron and Eilidh, played by James Rottger and Elle Watson, who are unexpectedly faced with potential parenthood following a single night together. Walls highlighted the decision to include a less traditionally romantic location, explaining, “There is a key scene we did in a close there. It is not necessarily the most romantic location you would think of for a romcom, but in real life that’s exactly where these things happen.”
Both lead actors embrace the film’s portrayal of Glasgow as a lively and bright city, a contrast to its more usual cinematic depiction as dark and gritty. Watson, who is from Scotstoun, remarked on the novelty of seeing familiar places presented in a fresh way: “We are so used to Glasgow being this dark and gritty place, but that’s not reflective of the city overall.” She shared that filming at locations like Kelvingrove, a spot she has visited since childhood, was an especially meaningful experience. Rottger, who has previously appeared in various screen roles including *Gary: Tank Commander* and some light-hearted rom-coms, appreciated the warmth the film breathes into the city’s image. “The film Kevin has written shows Glasgow in a warm light, literally and figuratively. The red sandstone flats, Kelvingrove, the pubs – it’s all there,” he said.
The production faced financial challenges due to its limited funding, which Walls candidly acknowledged. “The locations were tricky because we didn’t have any money,” he said. Much of the funding was raised through a Kickstarter campaign, and Walls combined his directing work with other jobs such as lecturing and editing football highlights to support the project. His determination to see *Premature* on cinema screens was clear: “Cinema-going is really important to me, and through sheer determination I was going to get this on a cinema screen too, as it deserves to be seen there.”
The characters’ journeys resonated personally with both actors. Watson’s Eilidh is an artist with uncertain plans whose life takes an unexpected turn, while Rottger’s Cameron is a methodical, career-focused man learning to cope with losing control. He reflected, “I’m probably closer to where Cameron ends up than where he starts off… The nerves you feel knowing you will be a parent is terrifying for the first time.” Watson added that the film’s focus is broader than pregnancy alone — it’s about self-discovery. “It was important the film is not just about Eilidh being pregnant – it’s using that for her to discover who she is and what she wants from life.”
Director Kevin Walls admitted that doubt crept in during the filmmaking process, but he persevered through moments of uncertainty. “There were so many times you’d think ‘what am I doing here, this is a terrible idea and won’t work’ – I had to push past
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