WHAT would a movie about Scotland be without someone who isn’t Scottish putting on a cringe-worthy accent?
Fortunately, we won’t find out the answer from Netflix’s latest offering: A Castle for Christmas.
In the movie due for release on the streaming platform later this month, Westminster-born Cary Elwes rolls his Rs so forcefully he seems in danger of tumbling over.
Elwes, introduced as the Duke of Dunbar, has a cunning plan to make co-star Brooke Shields’s life “miserable” - but it looks like they might just get along. Who could have guessed.
READ MORE: Viewers react to absolutely wild premise of new Netflix film set in Scotland
But of course there’s conflict in this RomCom-by-numbers.
“You have worked your whole life for your career, what are you without it?” one character asks Brooke Shields.
Quite why moving to a castle in Scotland would get in the way of her career writing books “in her pajamas” is unclear.
I guess we’ll just have to watch the full movie to find out. We can’t wait.
The UK and Ireland Netflix account seems to have grasped the incredulous attitude most Scots will surely have towards this movie. It tweeted: “A Castle for Christmas comes to Netflix on 26 November, including Brooke Shields and the most accurate depiction of Scotland ever seen on screen. Honest.”
We’ll give them the benefit of the doubt that that was tongue-in-cheek. But the humour was lost on Netflix’s more enthusiastic Film account.
It’s the holiday trailer you’ve been waiting for…
— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) November 4, 2021
An author in need of a castle. A duke in need of some cheer.
A CASTLE FOR CHRISTMAS, starring @brookeshields and @cary_elwes, directed by @TheMaryLambert, opens its doors on Netflix November 26. 🏰 pic.twitter.com/gwJv4dznQF
This one tweeted: “It’s the holiday trailer you’ve been waiting for… “An author in need of a castle. A duke in need of some cheer.
“A Castle for Christmas, starring @brookeshields and @cary_elwes, directed by @TheMaryLambert, opens its doors on Netflix November 26.”
It topped that off with an emoji of a “European castle”.
Now we’re really stoked.
As you’d expect, Scottish Twitter has had a field day. Here are a few of our favourite reactions:
"Ninety-day escrow" is, of course, a standard condition of all Scottish castle sales. You can't accuse Netflix of not doing their research. https://t.co/z2zHh0HgU3
— James Chalmers (@ProfChalmers) November 4, 2021
Does it look like the worst Christmas film ever made with the worst Scottish accents you’ve ever heard in your life? Yes, it certainly does. Will I be watching it anyway? Och aye (the noo). Of course I will! #XmasFilm
— serialsockthief (@serialsockthief) November 4, 2021
🏰🏴 https://t.co/ENhiTQi9Fy
Hello Netflix I'd like to cancel Scotland's subscription. No we can't be tempted by a special offer. https://t.co/gkWj7t3I2d
— Graeme Cowie (@woodstockjag) November 4, 2021
They really made a film about American land acquisition in Scotland and made a Duke the victim lmao
— Euan Stainbank (@AStumpyAtLaw) November 4, 2021
Still going to watch it https://t.co/MRhEFWzi2b
Hello, @PoliceScotland
— Eck (@Eck_1874) November 4, 2021
I wish to report a crime… https://t.co/9ghmC4pRXs
Cary Elwes’ attempt at a Scottish accent should be considered a war crime https://t.co/0nwe0EIVNN
— beans (@fatboybeans1) November 4, 2021
This looks like utter mince, as we say here in Scotland. Can’t wait to watch it!
— Kim Grinning Ghosts (come out to socialise) 👻 (@KimistryReacts) November 4, 2021
Also don’t think we have escrow here? Might be wrong. I’m a millennial so can’t buy a house 🤷♀️ https://t.co/pOlJvzzIp7
The most accurate depiction of Scotland on screen! [JAUNTY IRISH TUNE] https://t.co/qeBrXGCfzp
— Rob (@Glitterbeard_) November 4, 2021
Cary Elwes' Scottish accent is so bad it even makes me want to boycott the Princess Bride https://t.co/GAyjiRCARe
— David Bratchpiece (@bratchy1) November 4, 2021
And to think the Scottish Greens have just had a go at Greenpeace for wadding into Scottish affairs without sufficient awareness. Just wait to they see this. https://t.co/5Q6zjFUlvG
— Chris (@fatshez) November 4, 2021
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