Benjamin

Small, original, quirky and very well crafted film about an odd, smart and sweet young filmmaker falling in love. I loved the oddball writing and the performances, particularly the lead, Colin Morgan. He plays this unconventional character very well. Phénix Brossard and Jack Rowan are both new to me, but they were both very appealing. Joel Fry, who I am familiar with, is a good actor who retains his offbeat sense of humor, but his character is the one that eluded me. I don't think the role is very clearly conceived. I'd never heard of this, which is a shame as it should be seen by more. Loved the bathtub scene, but it has a few special moments. Short, unusual, touching and recommended.

I love this film. Some complain about the cliche storyline. Might be, but the story touched me.

An essential element of the film, I will say is the awkwardness. There are so many scenes make you feel the awkwardness is going out of the screen, but I like it. Whoever haven't met awkward situations like that, especially when you are, somehow social phobia. All those scenes make me feel alive, and real. And I know what's it like feeling incapable of love, you lock yourself in case you hurt others or let anyone hurts you. I'd say I fully understand Ben, feel his pain and happyness, his odd behavior. Thanks Simon for just letting me know I'm not alone. And thanks Colin's excellent performance, what a sweet boy!

Outstanding performances particularly from Phenix Brossard as Noah. The second feature film I've seen him in, incredible actor. Everyone does a great job here to be fair though. A nice mix of drama, romance and comedy with some really great comedy scenes in it that are very true to life like the scene about performance art! I'm very surprised that no one seems to have heard of this film. Highly recommend! Solid 8/10

I thought it was really beautiful, it wasn't perfect (what film is) but I really felt so many emotions from this. I think it's very hard to portray vulnerability and intimacy well, I thought this film and it's actors did a great job.

So surprised at just how much I loved this film! Simon Amstel has clearly taken much from his own experiences, because the moments and situations are so beautifully nuanced, it must surely have been sparked from lived experience. I'm so happy this film exists.

Every character was so hypotnisingly layered. Everyone had a life beyond their screen time and I would be interested in following all of their respective journeys.

The theme of human connection and the struggle of letting love in is something that I profoundly related to. Love is always shown in a dangerously romantic way on screen, it's so refreshing to see the complexity of the feeling for a change.

My only criticism is that it could have been nipped and tucked abit as a film... but I actually wanted more! I would love to see this as a series so we could explore the lives of everyone abit more, and also take our time in letting love in, just like the wonderful Benjamin himself.

Finally, just to comment on Colin Morgan's central performance. Though Amstel's dialogue is what stands out in every character, Morgan really runs with it and flys! Had me chuckling all the way and many moments I was howling at the back of the cinema.. especially when it came to the difficult choice of which bottle of water to purchase.

I was feeling abit glum and grey this weekend, but I came out of the cinema and my sun was shining. I hope this film gets the audience it so truly deserves, and all people deserve to see a film like this.

And Jack Rowan's bum is fantastic isn't it?!