‘Elsinore’ Trailer: Andrew Scott Plays AIDS-Afflicted ‘Hamlet’ Actor Ian Charleson in Heartbreaking Biographical Drama

Focus Features has released the trailer for “Elsinore,” the Andrew Scott-led drama from director Simon Stone. The film will be released in theaters on Nov. 20.

Written by Stephen Beresford, “Elsinore” is the “deeply emotional and inspirational true story of Ian Charleson, a gifted actor whose greatest challenge becomes his greatest triumph,” per the official synopsis. “Facing his own mortality with unflinching honesty, wit, and grace, Charleson delivers a courageous performance that becomes a source of healing and inspiration for those around him.”

The star of “Chariots of Fire,” Charleson had the chance of a lifetime to replace Daniel Day-Lewis as Hamlet in the play at London’s National Theatre when Day-Lewis stopped cold during a performance and walked offstage, never to return to the production. At the time, despite receiving rave reviews, the Scottish actor was succumbing to complications from AIDS. He died seven weeks after bowing out.

“Elsinore” first debuted at the Telluride Film Festival before playing at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month, where it won the International People’s Choice Award. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman wrote in his review that Scott makes the film “an indelible journey” and “gives an astonishingly layered and moving performance.”

“Make no mistake, this is the role of Scott’s career and it lands him toward the forefront of a best actor conversation he has been circling for years,” added Variety’s Clayton Davis.

In addition to Scott, the cast includes Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, Luke Thompson, David Dawson, Matthew Beard, Joe Locke, Monica Dolan, Georgie Glen, Sadie Soverall, Adeel Akhtar, Dickie Beau, Kadiff Kirwan, Juliet Stevenson and Peter Mullan.