In a thrilling twist that has fans buzzing, Graham McTavish is stepping into a new role that’s a far cry from his time as Dougal MacKenzie in Outlander. The 65-year-old actor is set to play the sinister cult leader Walter Wentworth in the upcoming film Dirty Boy, which promises to be a gripping psychological thriller.
Dirty Boy centers on Isaac, a reclusive individual with schizophrenia, who finds himself embroiled in a series of ritualistic murders framed by a manipulative cult. McTavish’s character, Wentworth, directs this harrowing narrative from the shadows, making the atmosphere intensely chilling. In an exclusive discussion with Reach Screen Time, McTavish revealed how the script by Doug Rao captivated him immediately.
Unlike typical horror films, McTavish argues that Dirty Boy is much more nuanced, making it a psychological rollercoaster. He describes it as “very disconcerting, very disturbing,” with a constant sense that something dreadful is lurking just around the corner. His portrayal of Walter is particularly unsettling, as it draws comparisons to real-life figures like Jeffrey Epstein, reflecting the darker facets of human manipulation.
“Wentworth represents that feeling of impunityâ€â€doing anything without fear of consequences,” McTavish shared. He expertly illustrates how characters like Wentworth craft narratives that allow them to rationalize their horrific actions, a chilling exploration of morality’s depths.
For McTavish, playing such an outright malevolent character posed significant challenges. He admits, “It’s hard to justify anything he’s doing,” which made bringing Wentworth to life particularly strenuous. One particularly haunting scene involves Walter staring into a mirror, an action steeped in eerie symbolism, illustrating how deeply unsettling the character truly is.
This chilling production unfolded against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Grundlsee in Austria, juxtaposing beautiful scenery with the grim narrative at hand. Joining McTavish in Dirty Boy are notable talents like Susie Porter from Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar and Honor Gillies, who plays a cult member drawn into Wentworth’s web of deceit.
Having premiered recently at the Raindance Film Festival, Dirty Boy is now poised to hit cinemas in the UK this August. As McTavish continues his bustling career, which includes his own Bourbon brand, McTavish Spirits, and a role in SpartacuHouse of Ashur, this film represents yet another bold step in his multifaceted journey.
Dirty Boy has its UK Premiere at Raindance Film Festival on June 22 and is in UK Cinemas from 22nd August.
Outlander season 7 is available to buy now on Digital and is streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video.