Peter Mullan gives a perfectly pitched performance as homeless pensioner Hector in this captivating study of a man with a tragic past. For years Hector has wandered between motorway service stations, sleeping under bridges, and living on handouts; however, now, increasingly conscious of his frailty and morality, he is seeking to re-establish long-abandoned bonds with his two far-away siblings.

So off he heads on a sort of road trip – heading south from Scotland for his traditional Christmas stay in a London hotel, he depends on the kindness of strangers as he goes from Newcastle (where his sister lives) to Liverpool, and finally to the capital (home of his brother). As his previous life catches up with him, the reasons for Hector’s self-imposed exile become clear.

This impressive debut from photojournalist Jake Gavin maintains the tricky balancing act of conveying the harsh realities of homelessness while maintaining a gentle, wry and funny tone: what we discover is that Hector’s companions, new and old, need his support as much as he needs theirs.

• There will be a Cinébabies screening of Hector on Mon 14 Dec at 11:00.

We’re getting a new kitchen in December

Throughout December the builders will be in to fit our new kitchen. We will still have a Soups and Sharing Platters menu and the bar will be open as usual but as the kitchen will be closed Cinebites is going to take a month’s break. Find out more here, including details of the schedule of work. Thank you for your patience in advance.

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