Andrew Scott Plays Ian Charleson in 'Elsinore', Due in Theaters Nov. 20

Focus Features has released the trailer for "Elsinore," the Andrew Scott-led drama from director Simon Stone, with a theatrical release set for Nov. 20.

Stephen Beresford wrote the film, which Focus describes as the "deeply emotional and inspirational true story of Ian Charleson, a gifted actor whose greatest challenge becomes his greatest triumph." The official synopsis continues: "Facing his own mortality with unflinching honesty, wit, and grace, Charleson delivers a courageous performance that becomes a source of healing and inspiration for those around him."

Charleson, the Scottish star of "Chariots of Fire," received the chance of a lifetime when Daniel Day-Lewis stopped cold during a performance of "Hamlet" at London's National Theatre and walked offstage, never to return to the production. Charleson replaced him. Despite rave reviews, he was succumbing to complications from AIDS at the time. He died seven weeks after bowing out.

"Elsinore" premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and screened earlier this month at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the International People's Choice Award.

Variety's Owen Gleiberman wrote in his review that Scott makes the film "an indelible journey" and "gives an astonishingly layered and moving performance." Variety's Clayton Davis added: "Make no mistake, this is the role of Scott's career and it lands him toward the forefront of a best actor conversation he has been circling for years."

The cast also includes Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, Luke Thompson, David Dawson, Matthew Beard, Joe Locke, Monica Dolan, Georgie Glen, Sadie Soverall, Adeel Akhtar, Dickie Beau, Kadiff Kirwan, Juliet Stevenson and Peter Mullan.

The Nov. 20 theatrical release will test whether the Toronto audience award and early critical enthusiasm can carry a story rooted in 1980s British theatre — and a 40-year-old tragedy of AIDS — into this season's awards conversation.