Tender Loving Care: On the red carpet with the cast and creatives at London Film Festival 2026

Mike Leigh’s latest offering, Tender Loving Care, is an intergenerational comedy-drama set in present-day London. Developed alongside long-term producer Georgina Lowe, the project relies on Leigh’s signature filmmaking method: a combination of intense character building and scriptless improvisation to bring the story to life.

The feature follows the deep friendship between Rosie (Alice Bailey Johnson) and Amy (Kate O’Flynn), two exhausted social workers who became flatmates following the breakdown of Amy’s long-term relationship. As they navigate the emotional toll from their demanding day jobs, they seek solace and comfort in each other’s company at night.

Estranged from her own relatives, Rosie is soon folded into Amy’s family. Amy’s retired parents, Birdie (Marion Bailey) and Geoff (Paul Jesson), warmly embrace her like a second daughter. Over endless cups of tea at their house, they eagerly offer advice, humour and a safe haven as Rosie opens up on her dating disasters.

Capturing Geoff’s decline with dementia and Birdie’s sudden shift into a caregiving role, the darkest chapters are offset by humour and moments together they share singing and dancing, creating lighter shifts in the core narrative.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of attending the BFI London red carpet premiere, where we spoke to Leigh about how he shaped this story, the cast he chose to create the film, including those he had worked with before, as well as newcomers.

We chatted to Georgina Lowe about her long-term friendship and creative partnership with Leigh. She shared her hopes that this wouldn’t be his final feature and how special it was that his partner and daughter both star in the project.

Paul Jesson offered insights into his latest film role, highlighting the solid foundations of his character’s marriage to Birdie and the deep bond they share from 50 years of wedlock. He also shed light on the unique, collaborative approach, explaining how improvisational character development serves as the creative starting point for weaving this deeply human story.

We spoke to Bailey about her role as Birdie and the beautiful relationships portrayed in the film. She expressed her joy at sharing the screen with her daughter, who is also in the cast. She also touched upon the fine balance between the darker moments and humour.

Ezelle Alblas

Read more reviews from our London Film Festival 2026 coverage here.

For further information about the event, visit the London Film Festival website here.