Faintheart 2008

Richard, Eddie Marsan is obsessed with medieval war re-enactment, to the point that he turns up late to his father-in-law’s funeral, still wearing Viking costume. His wife Cath, Jessica Hynes, kicks him out, and his pride takes another hit when Cath starts dating his son’s PE teacher, Gary, Paul Nicholls. Desperate to win her back, Richard tries to re-create the moment they fell in love, clinging to a fantasy of shared battles and mutual admiration.

Richard’s best friend Julian, Ewen Bremner, who runs a comic book store, is also wrestling with romance. Richard’s nerdy son Martin, bullied at school, resents his dad’s hobby and the embarrassment it brings. During a display by Richard’s Viking troupe in front of Martin’s class, Richard picks Martin to fight, but Martin hits him with a quarterstaff and runs away. Wounded by this rejection, Richard realises he must change.

After a heart-to-heart with his Viking friends, Richard cuts off his long hair and apologises at his father-in-law’s grave. However, when Martin’s young girlfriend expresses an interest in watching medieval re-enactment, Richard rescues his swords from the dump. Meanwhile, Cath realises that Gary looks good but is ugly inside. Julian, who was previously catfished by a small child, finds love with the child’s mother Maggie, Bronagh Gallagher, who loves Star Trek: The Next Generation as much as he does.

Richard joins a huge public display battle between Vikings and Normans. The fight is interrupted by Gary arriving, which results in a duel between Richard and Gary. Martin attempts to intervene, but Cath takes a bow and arrow and forces Gary to retreat. The crowd cheers for Cath and Martin.