What Is My Old School About?
The premise of My Old School in 244 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the early 1990s, Bearsden Academy in Scotland becomes a quiet stage for an unlikely story of discovery. Brandon Lee arrives as a privately‑tutored newcomer whose prodigious knowledge and love of music and theatre quickly win the curiosity of teachers and classmates alike. He carries a personal tragedy that lingers beneath his confident exterior, and his slightly older appearance and resonant voice set him apart in the hallways, inviting both admiration and quiet speculation.
The film unfolds through a gently shifting documentary lens, blending present‑day interviews with nostalgic recreations of classroom life. Voices from former peers and teachers—each recalling fragments of the era—are interwoven with stylized cartoon sequences that pulse to a pop‑laden soundtrack, echoing the late‑70s vibe that still lingers in the school’s memory. This collage of testimonies and visual flourishes creates a mood that feels part memoir, part myth, inviting the audience to linger on the texture of recollection rather than the mechanics of events.
At the heart of the narrative is Brandon’s quest for belonging and purpose amid the pressures of academic excellence and the expectations of a community that both embraces and questions him. His friendships, especially those forged around shared performances and after‑school jam sessions, reveal a world where youthful ambition collides with the lingering shadows of past loss. The atmosphere is both warm and introspective, a gentle reminder that a single person’s presence can ripple through the lives of many, reshaping identities and aspirations in subtle, lasting ways.
What Happens in My Old School?
The complete story of My Old School, from the first scene to the last, in 718 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Brandon, Alan Cumming, takes center stage as My Old School traces his Bearsden years and the ensuing outing that sent shockwaves through the media. The film unfolds in chronological order, laying out how classmates remember him as older in appearance and with a deeper voice, and how a seemingly small detail—sharing the enrolment name with Bruce Lee’s son, Brandon—becomes the thread that unravels a much larger lie. A former teacher explains that Brandon’s skin looked older after a car crash, while a Black pupil recounts experiences of racism and violence at the school, noting that Brandon remained a trusted friend who helped with homework.
Nicola, Natalie Mcconnon, anchors the present-day perspective as McKinnon’s classmates and teachers recollect the 1970s through a mosaic of recollections. The narrative is carried by a chorus of voices—Joe McFadden as Mr MacLeod among them—who speak from what they remember in classrooms, corridors, and after-school conversations. Interwoven with these interviews are classroom-set recreations that breathe new life into Bearsden’s halls, offering a documentary feel that gradually blurs the line between memory and myth.
To complement the talking heads, the film uses cartoon recreations voiced by Clare Grogan and Lulu. These sequences add texture to the story—parlaying a pop soundtrack into stylized, almost MTV-era visuals that echo the late-70s mood without sacrificing clarity. The cartoons help illustrate key moments—whether a school production, a social maneuver, or a moment of personal doubt—while keeping the tone measured and contemplative.
One focal point is the school production of South Pacific, where Brandon played Lieutenant Cable. He was a capable singer with a suitable accent, and his on-stage charisma boosted his status among peers. A charged memory centers on a kiss with his 16-year-old co-star, described with mixed feelings by those present: some recall reluctance in rehearsals, while others insist “no tongues!” The film revisits that moment in adulthood, letting the adult co-star revisit the scene with a rueful humor that underscores the change in perspective over time.
As the story moves forward, the documentary reveals the implications of Brandon’s choices. He returns to the classroom seeking a medical path, because at that era, pursuing medicine after thirty was considered unlikely; by repeating exams and refocusing his aims, he hopes to gain entry to medical school. He eventually enters Dundee University’s School of Medicine but drops out, and a circle of friends later visit to ask why — the evasive explanation shifts as the broader truth emerges. A key turning point arrives when the head teacher presents the 1975 report card, which shows top grades and hints at the pressure Brandon faced to prove himself.
The film then reexamines the family dynamics that shaped the public narrative. It is revealed that the “grandmother” Brandon confided in is alive and, in reality, his mother. The earlier battles—whether it was a fight on holiday, the police involvement, or the rumored two passports—are reassessed as rumors rather than factual events. The revelation reframes the questions surrounding whether his grandmother truly knew what was going on, since she had arranged calls to the school about his father’s death and even pretended to be his gran for a physics test. Nicola and the others begin to sense the deeper arc of Brandon’s life and the gaps in what the public was told at the time.
Near the end, the film shows footage from the school play that none of the participants had seen before. The performance underscores the unsettling mix of charm and unease that followed Brandon, and the adult actors who once watched him realize how the story has shifted in the retelling. The procession of memories closes in on the quiet, unresolved questions about his long-term plans: whether he continued to pursue medical school and how his life might have looked if the truth had been told earlier. The peers featured in the documentary have moved into their adult lives—some with families, some advancing in their careers—while Brandon remains a figure who embodies longing, resilience, and the persistent lure of a past that refuses to stay buried.
In its final notes, the film suggests that Brandon may have chosen to try again, perhaps even altering his appearance. The closing images juxtapose the present with the past, leaving viewers to weigh the costs of secrets kept and the costs of honesty finally faced.
My Old School Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Enrolment at Bearsden as a 30-year-old pupil” to “Aftermath and ongoing uncertainty”. 12 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Enrolment at Bearsden as a 30-year-old pupil
MacKinnon enrolls at Bearsden as an unusually old pupil. Fellow students remark that he looks older and speaks with a deeper voice. A teacher mentions a car crash as a possible reason for his aged skin, and his Canadian upbringing explains his accent.
When:late 1970s Where:Bearsden, Scotland
- 2
Impressive intellect and the Canadian accent
In class he is portrayed as incredibly knowledgeable and unafraid to show what he knows. Peers marvel at his intellect, and teachers hint at an exceptionally high IQ from an early age. His Canadian upbringing explains the distinctive accent that marks him out.
When:late 1970s Where:Bearsden, Scotland
- 3
South Pacific fame and the Lieutenant Cable role
The Bearsden school production of South Pacific sees him play Lieutenant Cable, boosting his social cachet. He sings well and uses a convincing accent, which elevates his standing among peers. A kiss with his 16-year-old co-star becomes a talking point, with remarks about reluctance and 'no tongues' noted.
When:mid-1970s Where:Bearsden, Scotland
- 4
Academic success and medical school entry
He finishes exams with top grades and accepts a place at medical school. Teachers advise him to wait until he is older for university, but he ignores the advice and continues toward medicine. This choice foreshadows the deception that drives much of the film’s narrative.
When:mid-1970s Where:Bearsden, then Dundee, Scotland
- 5
Begins medical studies at Dundee and then withdraws
He begins medical studies at the University of Dundee but soon withdraws. Five friends visit him to ask why, and he explains that his grandmother has died and that he needs time out. This pause marks the start of a long deception about his life.
When:late 1970s Where:Dundee, Scotland
- 6
Group holiday turns sour; arrest and two passports
Jemma invites him on a group holiday with Cheryl and Nicola. He ends up in a fight and is arrested, and police findings reveal two passports, fueling the official version of events that later comes to light. The incident becomes a focal point for the unraveling story.
When:late 1970s Where:Group holiday location (unspecified)
- 7
Head teacher confrontation and national exposure
Back at Bearsden, the former head teacher confronts MacKinnon with the 1975 report card showing top grades. The revelation bursts into the six o'clock news, triggering widespread attention and interviews with teachers who taught him in the 70s. The past moves from rumor to public record.
When:late 1970s Where:Bearsden, Scotland
- 8
The real reason for deception
The film explains why the deception occurred: medicine could not be pursued after age 30, so he returned to school under a false premise. It is revealed that the supposed grandmother was alive and, in fact, his mother, who had used the 'gran' alias to facilitate various situations. These revelations reframe much of what the audience has seen.
When:mid- to late-1970s Where:Bearsden/Dundee, Scotland
- 9
Rumors vs. truth: the holiday fight and passports
The film clarifies that the holiday fight, the police encounter, and the two passports were rumors rather than documented events. He told the girls he was 32 and asked them to keep it secret, a deliberate fabrication tied to his backstory. The truth gradually reframes the entire narrative they had accepted.
When:late 1970s Where:Group holiday location / Bearsden
- 10
End-of-play footage reveals awkward moments
Near the film's end, footage from the school play is shown. Brandon's singing is awkward, and the kiss lasts several seconds, with the adult co-star visibly uncomfortable. The scene underscores the troubling tension between performance and reality.
When:end of chronology Where:Bearsden, Scotland
- 11
Family truths and the gran/mum question
The documentary reveals that the 'gran' who helped cover stories was actually MacKinnon's mother, not his grandmother. The supposed absence had been a ruse, and the family dynamics underpin many earlier events. This revelation reframes the entire relationship web surrounding his life at Bearsden.
When:mid- to late-1970s Where:Bearsden / Dundee, Scotland
- 12
Aftermath and ongoing uncertainty
The film ends by showing the former pupils in their adult lives, looking forward rather than back. MacKinnon continues to apply for medical school and may have undergone cosmetic changes to alter his appearance. The audience is left with a sense of unresolved questions about identity and reconciliation with the past.
When:present day Where:Town in Scotland
Who Are the Main Characters in My Old School?
14 characters, among them Nicola, Brandon and Mrs Holmes: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- N
Nicola
Played by Natalie Mcconnon
Nicola is one of Brandon's peers who contributes to the recollections that reconstruct the events. She recalls his intelligence, aging appearance, and the complexities of their relationship, offering a modern perspective on the past.
- 🎭
- 🧠
- 🗣️
-
Brandon
Played by Alan Cumming
Brandon MacKinnon is the central figure who disguises himself as a young pupil to re-enter school and pursue medicine. He is portrayed as highly knowledgeable and charismatic, yet driven by a need to belong and to prove himself.
- 🎭
- 🧬
-
Mrs Holmes
Played by Lulu
A school figure who contributes to the classroom atmosphere and interacts with the student body, reflecting the era's attitudes and educational dynamics.
- 🏫
- 👩🏽🏫
- BM
Brandon's Mum
Played by Camilla Kerslake
The mother of Brandon, an opera singer who is mentioned as deceased at one point; her absence shapes the emotional groundwork of the family and the deception.
- 🎭
- 👩👦
- MM
Miss MacKichan
Played by Carly McKinnon
A teacher involved in the school environment and in the discussions around Brandon/MacKinnon's academic history.
- 🏫
- 👩🏫
- MO
Mrs Ogg
Played by Clare Grogan
A teacher figure who contributes to the school’s social dynamics and participates in the recollections of the time.
- 🏫
- 👩🏫
- S
Self
Played by David Tattoo Dave McKinlay
The entity described as 'Self' in interviews, representing the subject's own perspective as recounted by MacKinnon and others.
- 🗣️
- 🧠
- MN
Mrs Nolan
Played by Dawn Steele
A teacher or staff member connected to the school life and the unfolding events.
- 🏫
- 👩🏫
- MM
Mr MacKinnon
Played by Gary Lamont
Brandon/MacKinnon’s father figure who is part of the family narrative surrounding the deception.
- 👨👦
- 🧭
- MM
Mr MacLeod
Played by Joe McFadden
A teacher or staff member who appears in the recollections of colleagues and students.
- 🏫
- 👨🏫
- BG
Brandon's Gran
Played by Juliet Cadzow
A grandmother figure who is pivotal to the household dynamics and who is revealed to be more involved than first suspected.
- 👵
- 🏠
- MT
Mrs Thomson
Played by Michele Gallagher
A teacher or staff member who contributes to the academic backdrop of the story.
- 🏫
- 👩🏫
- SS
Shan Saba
Played by Shan Saba
A cast member whose role contributes to the broader portrayal of the period through the film's interviews and scenes.
- 🎤
- 👥
- S
Stefen
Played by Wam Siluka Jr.
A fellow character involved in the school’s social circle, as portrayed by Wam Siluka Jr.
- 🧑🤝🧑
- 👤
Where and When Is My Old School Set?
My Old School is set in Bearsden, Scotland, Dundee and Scotland (1970s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1970s
The core events unfold in the 1970s, focusing on a mature man returning to secondary school under an alias. The narrative uses interviews and period details from that era to reconstruct memories, while contemporary footage reflects on the lasting impact of the deception.
Where
Bearsden, Scotland, Dundee, Scotland
The film centers on Bearsden in Scotland, where MacKinnon attends school as a man, and later references the University of Dundee where he attempts medical studies. Interwoven with scenes that recreate Bearsden classrooms, the setting uses the Scottish suburb and its school culture to explore identity and belonging. The Dundee medical school appears as a key backdrop, signaling the protagonist's pursuit of medicine amid a smaller-town environment.
- 🏫 School setting
- 🗺 Scotland
- 🧭 Suburban town
What Are the Themes of My Old School?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Media and Racism.
-
01
Identity
The central deception—posing as a young student while being an adult—drives the plot and invites questions about who we are. The film probes how identity is performed, observed, and later confronted by peers and teachers. It also examines the tension between intellect and social belonging.
-
02
Media
As the truth emerges, the media coverage magnifies the story, turning private life into public spectacle. The film uses interviews and news clips to show how sensational reporting shapes memory and judgment. It also comments on the ethics of witness storytelling.
-
03
Racism
The narrative includes a Black pupil who experiences racism and violence at school, juxtaposed with Brandon's complicated social status. This contrast highlights class and race dynamics within the school environment. The story frames resilience and solidarity in the face of prejudice.
-
04
Memory vs Truth
The film explores how memories, testimonies, and records collide as classmates and teachers recount events. The audience is drawn into the uncertainty of what actually happened, especially as later revelations reinterpret earlier scenes. The sense of truth evolves as new details come to light.
What Kind of Film Is My Old School?
Melancholic in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A contemplative and rueful documentary that investigates a strange case of identity deception, blending nostalgic high school memories with an unsettling sense of mystery and unresolved questions.
- nostalgic
- contemplative
- unsettling
- rueful
- reflective
- enigmatic
- impostor syndrome
- deception
- memory
- coming of age
Content notes: deception involving minors, inappropriate relationship.
Quiz
How well do you remember My Old School? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch My Old School
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home Free, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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