Arriving in UK and Irish cinemas from 27th February as part of Tull Stories’ Joy of Cinema strand, The Spin is a breezy, big-hearted road trip comedy that wears its love of music proudly on its sleeve. Directed by Michael Head, the film swaps the grit of his earlier work for something warmer and more playful, delivering a story about friendship, vinyl obsession and one last-ditch gamble to keep the music playing.
Set in Omagh, Northern Ireland, the film follows Dermot (Brenock O'Connor) and Elvis (Owen Colgan), two devoted record shop owners whose passion far outweighs their business sense. When they’re faced with eviction by their gloriously sharp-tongued landlord Sadie — played with scene-stealing relish by Tara Lynne O'Neill — the pair seize on a wild opportunity: rare vintage records by blues icon Robert Johnson going cheap in Cork. The catch? They’ve got just two days to cross Ireland and pull off the deal.
What follows is a classic buddy-movie setup, complete with a battered Vauxhall that looks one pothole away from retirement and a series of colourful encounters along the road. The comedy is gently offbeat rather than broad, leaning into character quirks and awkward optimism. O’Connor brings a scrappy earnestness to Dermot, while Colgan’s dry timing gives Elvis a laid-back charm. Together, they feel like the kind of friends who argue about B-sides but would absolutely drive across the country for each other.
The film is rooted in a semi-autobiographical short story by Mark McCausland, best known for his work with The Lost Brothers, and that authenticity shines through. McCausland also provides a soulful folk soundtrack that elevates the journey, adding emotional texture to the sweeping Irish landscapes. Supporting turns from Kimberley Wyatt and Maura Higgins — the latter making her feature debut — add extra spark, while cameos from Barry Devlin and Steve Wickham will delight music fans.
Ultimately, The Spin is less about whether the boys secure the vinyl and more about the joy of the chase. It’s a celebration of music lovers, underdogs and the kind of reckless hope that keeps small record shops alive against the odds. Light on cynicism and rich in charm, this is an affectionate ode to friendship, folk tunes and finding your rhythm — even when life skips a beat.
MPAA Rating: Unrated.
Runtime: 92 mins
Director: Michael Head
Writer: Colin Broderick; Mark McCausland
Cast: Tara Lynne O'Neill; Brenock O'Connor; Owen Colgan
Genre: Comedy
Tagline: If you have the music, you'll find the way
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Distributor: California Pictures
Official Site:
Release Date: February 27, 2026 (U.K., Ireland)
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Two music-loving but unlikely friends have two days to travel the length of Ireland to save their record store from closure. For one of them, not having a car is just one of the problems.
