PREVIEW: Tortoise in Love (12A)

British film director Guy Browning makes his directorial debut with his ultra-low-budget film, Tortoise In Love, which has all the ingredients of a charming, British tale of a man's helpless pursuit of love.

With a stunning array of talent from an inexperienced cast, this raw, British, rom-com is a delight to watch. Filmed in the little village of Kingston Bagpuize it's shot beautifully by talented cinematographer Balazas Bolygo (Lark Rise to Candleford and Life on Mars), reminding us of what is so lovely about the British countryside.


Tortoise in Love is a typical tale of a helpless man's pursuit of love... Having quit his high-flying city job Tom, played by Tom Mitchelson, returns to his roots and a slower pace of life as a gardener in his home village of Kingston Bagpuize. His quest for love soon turns up on Tom's doorstep with the arrival of stunning Polish au pair Anya, played by Alice Zawadzki. However, Tom's shy personality and the naivety of love of the modern man calls for a helping hand from the villagers, as slow as a tortoise the journey begins to bring Tom and Anya together.


Tortoise in Love really does bring out the best in low-budget film-making, with the community of Kingston Bagpuize helping to bring the film together offering accommodation to actors and making costumes and props. The finished piece is both sweet and funny. It's a family film that has moments of delicacy amidst the British humour. It's a race for love but at a tortoise's pace.

*It’s sharper than your average Britcom, and perfectly charming*

Cath Clarke

*Tortoise in Love has got a tender heart and charm to spare*

David Parkinson

Watch the trailer for Tortoise in Love here:

Tortoise in Love is showing at Gloucester Guildhall on Monday 10th September at 7.45pm (featuring a pre-film talk by director Guy Browning) and Tuesday 11th September at 2pm.