Kensho at the Bedfellow

I can honestly say Kensho affected me in ways that will resonate for a long time. What does the nature of the Universe have to do with our inner life? How can we rise beyond loss to fulfill our life purpose? I've been wrestling with these ideas for years and have found that the best kinds of art examine the human condition in ways that are unique and profound and completely catch us off guard. Raider's film and his exceptional performance does that beautifully and has inspired me to see my place in the world as truly vital again.

Kensho at the Bedfellow is a really interesting indie film. I was intrigued at first when I saw the film festival laurels (apparently it has won a few awards on the festival circuit) and ultimately won over after watching the trailer. The film might sound familiar on the surface -- a doorman dealing with the death of a sister -- but Kensho at the Bedfellow is remarkably creative and a unique visual experience. You really have to watch it to understand. The film is described as "micro-budget," but you wouldn't know that from watching the film. In fact, many scenes are visual standouts, perhaps aided by the perfect New York scenery. Kensho at the Bedfellow is definitely a film worth watching.

This is such a terrific film. I completely enjoyed it. The acting was spot on throughout the film. I loved the characters. They were all very good. This is a solid story with an engaging pace that the Director establishes early on in the film. There were no flat spots for me with this indie gem of a film. This is a good example why for many of us we enjoy watching indie films. Well the obvious here for me, is a thumbs up for this film. Bravo folks!! Well done!!

I was lucky enough to see Kensho on the big screen where it won Best Feature Film at the festival I attended. I was absolutely amazed at what I saw and experienced in that theatre. Kensho is the kind of film that you rarely see these days — an original, engaging and powerful story that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's subversively funny, emotionally resonant, inspiring, and endlessly creative in its micro-budget wizardry.

The film explores themes of fulfillment, life-purpose, social conscience, sex, death, and consciousness expansion all in the context of the cultural phenomenon that is New York City.

The acting is also superb. Raider and Ronayne lead a cast of accomplished, theatre-trained actors that disappear into characters that are both relatable and fascinating to watch. The cinematography is gorgeous and highlights Manhattan in a mesmerizing, Koyaanisqatsi-like way.

As writer/director, Raider is a nuanced and visionary film artist who conjures comparison to Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze. The choices he and his stellar team made from production design to special effects to soundtrack compliment a thrilling and beautiful story of hope and interconnectivity.

I was totally lifted to a new place watching Kensho. The film gets my highest recommendation.

I was both moved and entertained by this film's existential exploration, one man's search for purpose after the death of a loved one. Writer/director Brad Raider impresses in both crafts, delivering a smart, compelling, relatable story and bringing to life a charming, clever protagonist earning our empathy and endearment. The characters around him are interesting, and the dialogue he has with them is clever and witty. But the real strength of the film is in it's ability to ask the tough life questions and offer hope, meaning and redemption.