A first look at Slow Horses star Jack Lowden's new British thriller Tornado has been unveiled.
Directed by John Maclean, the upcoming film is set in 1790s Britain and stars model-songwriter Kōki as the titular character, who finds herself in a dangerous situation when she and her father’s travelling puppet show crosses paths with a ruthless criminal gang led by Sugarman (Tim Roth) and his ambitious son Little Sugar (Lowden).
The film's synopsis continues: "In an attempt to create a new life, Tornado seizes the opportunity to steal the gold from the gang’s most recent heist; what follows is a thrilling tale of adrenaline-fueled action as Tornado fights to escape a violent demise."
Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025
Glasgow Film Festival (GFF25) has now released a set of first-look photos from the upcoming film, which will officially open the festival on February 26, before releasing in UK and Ireland cinemas on May 23.
One of the photos sees Lowden's character menacingly holding a knife to Tornado's throat, while another shows Tornado in yet another perilous situation, with a sword pointed directly at her.
What to Read Next
GFF25 will close on March 9 with the world premiere of documentary-maker Martyn Robertson’s Make It to Munich, which follows Scottish teenager Ethan Walker as he "defies life-threatening injuries to cycle from Glasgow's Hampden Park to Munich Football Arena" for Scotland's opening Euro 2024 match.
Related: Slow Horses star Jack Lowden lands next lead movie role
Other film's premiering at the festival include The Return, starring Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton and George Mackay's post-apocalyptic musical satire The End, The Extraordinary Miss Flower and psychological thriller The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage.
Meanwhile, James McAvoy will appear at a live In Conversation event, taking a look back at his career.
"This year’s GFF program is a very clear demonstration of the festival’s importance to the local industry, connecting our films and talent to the rest of the world and introducing world-class cinema to audiences in Glasgow, across Scotland and the rest of the UK," said Isabel Davis, executive director at Screen Scotland.
"Once again Scottish talent is strongly showcased throughout the program, including John Maclean’s Tornado, Laura Carreira’s On Falling, and Glasgow-shot Fear, directed by Justin Chadwick, starring Martin Compston."
Tornado is out in UK and Ireland cinemas on May 23.
Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
