Alan Cumming’s New Film Delves into Past LGBTQ+ Challenges: A Perfect Role for Him

In the new period drama film Drive Back Home, directed by Michael Clowater, actors Alan Cumming and Charlie Creed-Miles bring to life a poignant retelling of the director’s own family history. The film explores themes of family, acceptance, and the historical challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Michael Clowater, a Canadian filmmaker, grew up hearing fragmented stories about his uncle Hedley, who, in the 1950s, was arrested in a harsh societal context where homosexuality was criminalized. Clowater's grandfather, Ernie, a humble plumber from New Brunswick, played a pivotal role in getting Hedley out of jail, a feat that puzzled Clowater until he learned more about Canada's past.

Through his research, Clowater discovered the appalling treatment that gay men endured, including the practice where police, instead of imprisonment, would out them to their families or employers, effectively ruining their lives. "At that time, it was illegal to be gay. You could go to jail for years, but at police stations… if they saw [the incident] as very victimless, they would try to get it out of their system," Clowater explained during a talk at the BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival.

The film, while inspired by Hedley and Ernie’s story, introduces fictional elements to enhance its narrative. It centers around Perley, portrayed by three-time Emmy Award winner Alan Cumming, a proud yet vulnerable man who gets arrested for having gay sex in a public park. His estranged brother Weldon, played by Charlie Creed-Miles, is a plumber who bails him out, setting in motion a transformative journey.

As Weldon and Perley embark on a nearly 1,000-mile drive back to New Brunswick, they are forced to confront their past, their differences, and their shared trauma. Perley’s character was forced to leave home in his youth after being discovered with a farm worker, a backstory that resonates with many LGBTQ+ individuals who face rejection from their families.

"I wanted to trap these two brothers that didn’t understand each other in a truck for three days," Clowater reveals, drawing parallels between the film and real-life events. The journey they undertake is not just physical but deeply emotional, as both brothers grapple with their defensive natures and their reluctance to apologize or change.

The film’s depiction of Perley, portrayed with a mix of stoicism and flamboyance by Cumming, highlights the strength and resilience required to survive in an unaccepting world. "Alan’s character, much like my great uncle, had to be stronger. His whole being was about armour," Clowater notes.

Cumming’s personal experiences, as detailed in his autobiography Not My Father’s Son, mirror those of Perley, making him an ideal fit for the role. Both had challenging upbringings with non-accepting fathers, and Cumming’s performance is imbued with authenticity and deep emotion.

Charlie Creed-Miles, who plays Weldon, recognized the personal connection Cumming had to the role. "He was made to play that role," Creed-Miles states, acknowledging the dedication and passion Cumming brought to his performance.

While Clowater hesitates to label Drive Back Home strictly as a queer film, its roots in the historical oppression of LGBTQ+ individuals are undeniable. It’s a story of love and understanding between two brothers who initially struggle to connect. The film serves as a reminder of past injustices and the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

"It’s the same thing as World War Two. Once you have generations that start to forget that, that’s when hate comes," Clowater reflects. By telling stories like that of his great uncle, Clowater hopes to prevent history from repeating itself, emphasizing the importance of remembering and learning from the past.

As societal challenges persist, Clowater’s film resonates with contemporary audiences, highlighting the continued need for empathy and understanding. Drive Back Home debuted at the 2025 BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival, encouraging viewers to reflect on history and the progress still needed in the fight for equality.

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