The first trailer for Tender Loving Care, the latest film from acclaimed British director Mike Leigh, has arrived, offering a first look at an emotional new drama exploring love, friendship, family and growing older. Starring Kate O’Flynn, Alice Bailey Johnson, Marion Bailey and Paul Jesson, the film has already received widespread critical praise following its festival premieres and is set to arrive in UK and Irish cinemas on 12 February 2027.

Set in present-day London, Tender Loving Care follows Amy (Kate O’Flynn), a social worker approaching 40 who moves back in with her best friend Rosie (Alice Bailey Johnson) after the breakdown of a long-term relationship. Both women work in social care, although in different areas, with Amy supporting young people and Rosie working with elderly people.

As the friends navigate their demanding jobs and personal lives, Amy also finds herself facing changes within her own family. Her parents, Geoff (Paul Jesson) and Birdie (Marion Bailey), are getting older, and her father’s declining health begins to raise concerns. Rosie, meanwhile, has become so close to the family that she’s practically another daughter to Amy’s parents, with the film exploring the relationships between the four characters and the different ways people care for one another.

Mike Leigh Explores Love, Friendship and Growing Older

Written and directed by Mike Leigh, whose previous films include Secrets & Lies, Vera Drake, Another Year and Hard Truths, the new drama examines the challenges of ageing, the importance of friendship and the responsibilities that come with looking after the people we love.

Speaking about the film, Leigh explained: “Tender Loving Care is a film about care and loving. And it’s really about people who care for other people professionally, and people who care for the nearest and dearest. It’s about the pending end of life. Growing old. It’s about hanging onto youth. And overall, it’s a film, I think one could say, about love, really. Love in the sense of lovingness.”

The film could also mark Leigh’s final feature, with the 83-year-old filmmaker having previously suggested that he may not direct another film. However, no definitive retirement announcement has been made.

You can watch the official trailer for Tender Loving Care below.

Tender Loving Care has already enjoyed an impressive festival run, beginning with its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival before screening at the BFI London Film Festival in October. The film also received major recognition at the 2026 San Sebastián International Film Festival, winning the Golden Shell for Best Film and the Jury Prize for Best Screenplay. Kate O’Flynn was awarded the Silver Shell for Best Leading Performance for her portrayal of Amy, sharing the honour with fellow winner Asta Kamma August.

It has also received four nominations at the 2026 British Independent Film Awards, including Best British Independent Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Ensemble Performance.

For CultureCues, Tender Loving Care is definitely one we’re looking forward to. From the trailer, it looks like it’s going to be a really emotional watch, and judging by the brilliant reviews so far, we’re expecting plenty of laughs along with a few tears. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to catch it while covering the BFI London Film Festival, so we’re looking forward to finally seeing it when it arrives in cinemas next February. We’ll have the tissues ready, just in case!

Tender Loving Care arrives in UK and Irish cinemas on Friday 12 February 2027.