The Decoy Bride

On a windswept coast in Scotland, a town wakes up to the prospect of a Hollywood wedding. A clever plan is hatched: a local woman will step into the role of bride to draw the paparazzi away from the real star who has come to tie the knot in the countryside. As the decoy story unfolds, the plan pulls in shopkeepers, clergy, and families, turning a publicity ploy into a study of loyalty, desire, and small town pride. The film keeps the tone breezy and gently ironic, never taking itself too seriously while letting the romance unfold with warmth and charm. The small town setting itself becomes a character, with cottages, harbors, and coffee houses framing the action and reminding viewers that even a high profile ceremony needs ordinary people doing ordinary things.

Directed by Sheree Folkson, The Decoy Bride arrived in 2011 as an original screenplay by Neil Jaworski and Sally Phillips. The ensemble is led by Kelly Macdonald, with Alice Eve and David Tennant delivering wry, relatable performances that anchor the comedy drama.

Box office data is not broadly documented, reflecting a modest release and a limited international footprint that kept the film mostly in niche markets.

Cultural footprint: The Decoy Bride leans into Scotland's landscapes and community rituals, turning a media circus into a charming comedy about belonging. The film's premise and scenic settings sparked conversations about fame and privacy without heavy cynicism, and its wedding tableau and small town characters linger as a lighthearted example of how places can shape romance.

Reception and themes: Critics tended to note the film's easygoing pace and the chemistry between Macdonald and Tennant. The story treats celebrity intrusion with light irony and centers on themes of chosen family, honest affection, and the pull between public image and private life. It isn't groundbreaking, but its warmth and humor offer a comforting, entertaining escape.