Withnail & I (1987)
12-month trend
12-month trend
Monthly article views
2025-09 to 2026-08
The story
In 1969, two unemployed actors, the flamboyant alcoholic Withnail and the neurotic Marwood, share a squalid flat in Camden Town, London. Seeking an escape from their stagnant lives, they plan a weekend getaway at a cottage in the Lake District owned by Withennial's wealthy, eccentric uncle, Monty. However, the journey to the rural retreat proves to be less of a restorative retreat and more of a series of complications. As they navigate the challenges of the countryside, the pair must contend with unwelcoming locals and the unpredictable behavior of their wealthy relative, leading to a tense and often absurd situation.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1969, Withnail and Marwood, two struggling actors living in a Camden flat, travel to a Lake District cottage owned by Withnail's uncle, Monty. The trip is plagued by poor weather, an unfriendly local poacher named Jake, and the eccentricities of Monty. During the stay, Monty makes unwanted advances toward Marwood, leading to a tense confrontation where Marwood lies about their relationship to deflect Monty's advances. After Monty leaves, the pair returns to London, where they face an eviction notice and a potential job for Marwood in Manchester. The film ends with Marwood departing for his new life while Withnail remains behind, eventually performing a monologue from Hamlet to the birds in a zoo.
- First release year
- 1987
- Runtime (minutes)
- 107
- Production countries
- United Kingdom
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Bruce Robinson
- Writers
- Bruce Robinson · writer
- Cast and characters
- Paul McGann · I; Richard E. Grant · Withnail; Richard Griffiths · Monty; Ralph Brown · Danny; Michael Elphick · Jake
- Genres
- black comedy; comedy-drama
- Themes
- alcoholism; artistic struggle; misanthropy
- Tone and mood
- black comedy; absurd
- Premise and plot tags
- buddy comedy; period piece; independent film
- Source material / true-story basis
- An unpublished novel written by Bruce Robinson in 1969–1970.
- Reception
- The film is considered a cult classic and one of Britain's biggest cult films, noted for its quotable lines and 1960s soundtrack.
- Awards and nominations
- Best Screenplay · Evening Standard British Film Awards · 1988 · win
- Production trivia
- The character 'I' is named 'Marwood' in the screenplay.; The film features a rare appearance of a recording by the Beatles.; The film was influenced by the director's real-life experiences in the late 1960s.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
Your lists
Loading your lists…