Iona

A young mother fleeing Glasgow with her son Bull to hide from an abusive partner and protect him. She carries the weight of a complicated past, including a forbidden affair with Daniel, and must navigate protecting Bull while facing moral consequences. Iona is deeply devoted to her child but torn between secrecy and truth, balancing vulnerability with resolve.

A 15-year-old boy haunted by having killed his mother’s abusive partner. He struggles with guilt and a yearning for safety, while seeking belonging in a new community. Bull’s impulsivity clashes with tenderness as he forms fragile connections, especially with Sarah, and he faces the consequences of his actions.

Iona’s former adoptive father who had an illicit affair with her and fathered Bull. He returns to the family circle on the island, where old tensions resurface, and he ultimately collapses from a seizure. Daniel represents complex loyalties, desire, and the consequences of long-held secrets.

Iona’s adoptive sister who has married her childhood sweetheart Matthew and has a 14-year-old daughter, Sarah. Elisabeth bears grief and suspicion as family secrets come to light, challenging their sisterly bond. She embodies loyalty strained by past betrayals and present danger.

Elisabeth’s 14-year-old daughter, a paraplegic who flirts with Bull. Her vulnerability and curiosity pull her into a tense dynamic with Bull, testing boundaries on the island. Sarah’s presence amplifies the film’s exploration of desire, power, and the fragility of trust.

Elisabeth’s husband and a guiding figure in the community who takes Bull under his wing. He offers mentorship and spiritual guidance, though his interactions with Bull and Iona complicate the moral landscape. Matthew’s role highlights how faith-based guidance can both support and entangle individuals.

The abusive partner whom Bull’s act of killing sets the plot in motion. Stephen’s presence is felt through memory and fear, driving Iona and Bull to flee and confront the consequences of violence. His absence leaves a lasting impact on the family’s sense of safety and truth.

A mainland investigator involved in the aftermath of the escape and the investigation surrounding the death and disappearance. He represents the reach of law and the friction between private trauma and public accountability. His involvement underscores the collision of personal secrets with external inquiry.

A minor but pivotal presence in the community, underscoring the younger generation’s perspective within the island’s tradition. The character’s interactions highlight the transmission of values and the impact of family dynamics on youth. The inclusion adds texture to the social fabric of the setting.