Set in 1989, the film follows Charleson as he accepts the role of Hamlet after Daniel Day-Lewis leaves the production.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, when misinformation, fear and social stigma surrounding the disease were widespread.
Rather than focusing exclusively on Charleson’s illness, the filmmakers have attempted to present the actor as a complex and vibrant individual whose creativity, humour and determination remained central to his identity.
Scott has described the project as a story about living fully in the face of tragedy.
Ian Charleson’s lasting legacy
Charleson was best known internationally for his role in the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire.
He was also an accomplished stage performer, making his work at the National Theatre a significant part of his career.
His decision to continue performing Hamlet while seriously ill became one of the defining episodes of his professional life.
Charleson died in 1990, aged 40.
Olivia Colman’s role
Olivia Colman plays Dr Margaret Johnson, a physician involved in treating patients during the AIDS crisis.
Her character allows the film to explore another part of the period: the doctors, nurses, families and friends who cared for people living with AIDS despite the fear and stigma surrounding the disease.
The film therefore operates on two levels — as a portrait of one performer and as a reflection on a wider period in medical and social history.
Early awards attention
Scott’s performance has already generated critical acclaim and early Oscar speculation.
While awards predictions this early in the season are always uncertain, the role places Scott in a potentially strong position during the coming awards conversation.
The London Film Festival itself runs until October 18, with hundreds of films from around the world scheduled across the programme.
Why the film could resonate
Elsinore arrives at a time when audiences are increasingly interested in biographical films that revisit important cultural figures through a personal rather than purely historical lens.
The story also has contemporary relevance.
It explores how fear, stigma and misinformation can affect people living with serious illnesses, while highlighting the importance of compassion and human dignity.
For Scott, the film represents both an acting challenge and a personal creative investment as one of its producers.
If the early response continues, Elsinore could become one of the more closely watched films of the 2026 awards season.
