Edinburgh, Scotland — Kirt Gunn’s first feature Lovely by Surprise makes it’s UK premiere at EIFF. The film follows a writer whose character (in the book she’s writing) goes missing and a single father who’s dealing with the loss of his wife while trying to make things normal with his daughter.

Marian’s (Carrie Preston) debut book is off to a good start. Consisting of two brothers (Humpkin and Mopekey) whose entire world is a house boat in the middle of nowhere, Marian adds a little twist… one of the characters is aware he’s being written. But Marian’s mentor (Austin Pendelton) has a suggestion to make the book great… kill off the main character. Although Marian takes issue with this advice, she gives it a shot, but Humpkin is aware of his fate and he escapes into the real world.

The way Bob (Reg Rogers) deals with his wife’s death is causing problems at work. Although he’s a used car salesman, Bob’s sales pitch has turned into more of a therapy session where he asks customers if they really want to buy a car. Adding to his problems at home (his daughter Mimi hasn’t spoken since her mom’s death), Bob’s boss finally lays down an ultimatum… sell the next customer who comes in the door or lose your job. That’s when Bob meets Humpkin.

With a talented cast and a creative script, Kirt Gunn creates a bittersweet world with a delicate humor that keeps things light and entertaining. Lovely by Surprise also offers a nice twist in the end that’ll leave you thinking. Based off of two short films created by Gunn, the film originally premiered at the Seattle Film Festival where it won the New American Cinema Special Jury Prize. For more info check out the official site.