A Rom-Com with a Glasgow Heart

The Unexpected Love Story of Premature

When I first heard about Premature, I thought it was just another indie romcom trying to cash in on the genre's popularity. But as I dug deeper, I realized this one had a different kind of heart—Glasgow's heart.

The film, which stars Elle Watson and James Rottger as Cameron and Eilidh, is a story about mismatched flatmates who find themselves unexpectedly thrown into parenthood after a night of passion. Sounds familiar? Yes, but this time, it's not set in some generic urban backdrop. No, this one's rooted in the real Glasgow we know and love.

"Why can't we set a romcom in a flat in the east end? It looks really beautiful on the big screen."

— Kevin Walls, Director

The setting is what makes this film so refreshing. While other romcoms might be shot in London or Los Angeles or somewhere equally generic, Premature takes a bold stand by showcasing real Glasgow—its streets, its architecture, and yes, even the gritty east end where our protagonists live.

From Short Films to the Big Screen

Kevin Walls, who wrote and directed the film, is no stranger to the indie film scene. He's worked on short films and commercials before, but Premature marks his first feature-length directorial effort. And while his budget was, frankly, minimal—like a lot of indie filmmakers, he had to get creative with locations and funding—it also meant that he could rely on the community.

Walls explained how the shoot was a labor of love. He wasn't just chasing stars or glitzy locations—he was going out and begging local landlords for permission to film in their spaces. The result? A genuine, unpretentious film that feels like it's coming from the heart of the city.

"The locations were tricky because we didn't have any money," Walls told BBC Scotland News. "So we were begging – I'd usually go down and speak to people about what I was trying to do. I explained I wasn't going to tear up their space or anything like that."

A Fresh Perspective on a Familiar Genre

Premature isn't just about a romantic plot—it's about identity, growth, and the fear of losing control. For Eilidh, played by Elle Watson, pregnancy isn't just about the biological changes; it's a moment of existential reckoning. Her flatmate Cameron, on the other hand, is someone who thrives on structure and control—until life throws him into chaos.

"This whole film is about two people being chucked out of any sense of control they thought they had," said James Rottger, who plays Cameron. "Particularly for Cameron, that's the point of the film – I leaned into the bit of me that's a control freak and likes to do things a certain way, and then brought that out in the character."

Watson and Rottger both found themselves relating to their characters in unexpected ways. For Watson, it was about navigating life's uncertain paths. "Any woman in her late 20s or 30s will have thought about children," she said. "You feel you need to be confident about your choice as it will soon be taken away from you as you get older."

For Rottger, who already has two young daughters, the film hit close to home in terms of his personal journey toward parenthood.

"As a dad waiting for a baby to be born, you are out of having any control. The nerves you feel knowing you will be a parent is terrifying for the first time."

— James Rottger, Actor

Glasgow on Screen: A Brighter Side

What really struck me about Premature was how it redefines what Glasgow looks like on screen. In many films, the city is often portrayed as dark and gritty, a place of mystery or danger. But here, it's a place of warmth and color, full of charm and character.

Elle Watson, who's spent most of her career in theatre and short films, told me that she felt incredibly nostalgic shooting in places like Kelvingrove Art Gallery, a space she'd visited since childhood. "Being from Glasgow you are so used to it that you almost become immune to the spectacle of the building, and how grand it is," she said.

The film's director, Kevin Walls, wanted to showcase the real beauty of the city—not just its famous landmarks, but its neighborhoods and its people. And by doing so, he's given us a romcom that doesn't just tell a love story—it tells a story about a city.

Breaking the Mold

Premature is a reminder that great stories don't always need big budgets or A-list stars to make an impact. In fact, sometimes they need something much more valuable: authenticity.

The film was funded through a combination of personal savings, YouTube edits, and a successful Kickstarter campaign. It's a testament to the power of community and the desire for stories that reflect real life.

"Cinema-going is really important to me, and through sheer determination I was going to get this on a cinema screen too, as it deserves to be seen there," Walls said.

And seeing Premature in a cinema is indeed a triumph. It's a film that's both heartfelt and hilarious, with characters who feel real and settings that make you want to pack your bags and head to Glasgow. It's not just about the romance—it's about the courage to tell a story on your own terms.

Why It Matters

Premature is part of a growing movement in film that's pushing back against generic settings and predictable narratives. Instead, it offers something more personal and local—Glasgow, as seen through the lens of its people and places.

In a world where Hollywood continues to dominate the screen with big-budget spectacles, Premature reminds us how powerful storytelling can be when it's grounded in truth and passion. It's not just a romcom—it's a celebration of community, creativity, and the beautiful chaos of life.

So next time you're watching a film that tries to pass itself off as romantic, remember: sometimes the best love stories are set in places we think we know—like Glasgow—and told by filmmakers who truly understand what it means to be human.