User reviews

What I find hardest to believe about this film is that anyone takes it seriously enough to give it more than 3 stars. The concept and dialog are philosophical nonsense from the start. It's not science fiction, as there is no science therein. It is imaginative fantasy in the heaviest sense of the term, but in truth isn't all that imaginative.

The acting is dire, the directing non-existent, the sets not really sets. It's not an art film as there's nothing artful about it. The philosophy is stuff pulled out of random self-help books mixed with a whole slew of "wow, someone smoked a lot of weed while writing this".

As speculative fiction-- which is the best it could have hoped for-- it's as speculative as stating we're all billiard balls in a universal game of snooker. Throw whatever random, mundane concepts one can put together, present it in a form of two people talking all. the. way. through. the. film.... and we have the climax and culmination of this "story". I find it difficult to believe this mundane attempt at film making has an average of 6 stars on IMDB, or that anyone would have the lack of cinematic integrity to actually give it 10 stars in a review. This is philosophical, zero-evidence "what-iffing"... and not much more.

The best I can say for it is that it does make some basic points. Happiness comes from helping others. Love is just the best thing ever, even when it's awful. One can try to do good and still miss the mark. Welcome to Life 101. Despite all its flaws it does manage to hold attention right to the yawner end... that is, if someone doesn't exercise the better part of sensibility and turn it off before then. Trust this: if you're not impressed by the first third, save your time on the rest. But if random, half-baked philosophical wandering is your bag... you'll LOVE this.

I'd compare it thematically to "Man from Earth" (though that was far better). I have to commend the filmmaker for trying something.

I found it a bit preachy. It touched on ideas that I find distasteful. Still, it challenged me a bit.

It touches on anti-technology, religion, good and bad, self-interest, capitalism, eastern spirituality, commerce, pride of work, homelessness, wealth inequality, justice, afterlife, suicide, "love", punishment and reward, simulation theory, a "God" that is not all-powerful, a vengeful god, heaven and hell, the mutability of facts. Unfortunately the movie makes some presumptions while exploring these ideas, and does not acknowledge all sides of the ideas that it touches on. At some point it becomes an apology for human suffering under an altruistic god, and at a different point it mirrors the Unabomber's view of technology. It's all over the map with its religion, is it hindu? it is christian? is it buddhist?

Frankly, the thing is a mess, most of the mechanisms and drama were contrived, yet I am not unhappy that I watched it. I don't think it is anywhere near a masterpiece, nor do I need to see it again.

Where do I start? This movie has so many holes, contradictions, and flaws, it's funny. For example; first she(Death) says I'm not human, than a minute later referring to herself as one of the humans. She later says time is just something created by man, a while later saying she had been around for centuries, but before unable to answer a question regarding a time line because she had no concept for time. Those are just a couple examples that I remember, there were countless, making it hard to respect this movie and the film maker.

The acting is horrific, it's poorly filmed; breaking all the basics rules of how to film properly. Probably had a budget of next to nothing, the movie takes place in one room, with two D list actors.

I am usually the one to see the best in every movie, appreciating it for what it is, but this movie makes it so hard.

The only reason I am giving it 2 starts because I agree with their points on technology, greed, and helping others.

Just my opinion.

A bunch of moralistic, anti-capitalist clap trap. I would rather have rusty nails driven into my eardrums than watch that again. I gave it three stars because the leading lady, whose name I won't even try to spell, was three stars worth of pretty.

Unlike any film I have seen before. This movie is dialogue heavy and is focused on two characters that discuss an array of thought provoking topics from life to death and everything in between. A truly enjoyable film that is sure to make you think about long after.

Bestowal excels in compelling and profound dialogue writing. Writer and director Andrew de Burgh doesn't shy away from metaphysical topics that are usually avoided at all costs to appeal to a larger audience. He took a risk and it pays off. His uncompromising vision shines through and through and heavy philosophical questions won't linger unanswered. It's a rewarding journey that I can recommend to any film lover that prefers elevating content over mindless explosions.

"The Bestowal" by Andrew de Burgh is quite an original ride, and he shows you that good sf can really be about charachter development and passionate acting more than lazer battles. It deals with both existensial and political issues in a thought-proviking way that makes you start realizing that the true sense of wonder is to be exploered within the human soul. Despite a limited cast in numbers, de Burgh manage to launch a number of parallel events and suplots off screen of which I personally feel some stays unresolved, However, the stuff of for example Arthur C Clarke works best when not everything is written straight on the audience's noses. And I'm sure Neil Gaiman would like it if he ever will have the chance to see it. Though this may be intended as a one-shot, I felt like there is a whole universe to explore in there....

This film is great to watch and incredibly show. I enjoyed the character development and the message as a whole. I hope for more films from this filmmaker in the future. For a first time film it's a winner

I started to watch The Bestowal thinking I was in for a slow drag . However, after about the ten minute mark I was truly engaged with the amazing script and very believable characters. This film is very inspirational , thought provoking and ultimately optimistic. Taking into account that the whole film is dialogue based it is amazing how watchable and emotional this experience turned out to be. Overall I would highly recommend The Bestowal to viewers who have a philosophical bent.

Great movie with great acting! Loved seeing a new take on philosophical views and science fiction without crazy CGI. Never seen a movie with just two actors before, but it worked out very well.

This film is a unique dose of philosophical drama. The heart of interest; what is beyond our reality and our understanding of reality? This film was well written/shot/acted. It is definitely a thinker movie!

Grand film, it will take a certain person with widespread existential metaphysical beliefs/thoughts and an open mind to truly appreciate this film. If this is you, you shouldnt wait another second, watch this film!! Well done!! I loved the story, so very engaging and thought provoking, hope to see more from this writer/director. Lead actress is spot on!

Andrew de Burgh drills deep into the existential zeitgeist that looms over our troubled times in his quiet and provocative sci-fi feature, "The Bestowal." This weighty and ultimately excellent film expertly probes the human condition in a day and age in which we can too often feel pointless.

Despite his business success, Steven (Sam Brittan) finds himself at the emotional nadir of his still-young life. With his suicide planned, he's visited by an intuitive and sensitive being of an alternative dimension, appearing her as a serene and beautiful woman. Sharmita Bhattacharya embodies her character with a soothing, otherworldly grace that expertly sells the emotional and intellectual counsel her character provides Steven throughout this contemplative film.

Despite its market positioning in the ether of science fiction, you'll find no hint of space travel or pyrotechnics in "The Bestowal." Defying the colorful, loud conventions of its genre, de Burgh uses only two characters, one house, muted color tones, and peacefully hushed dialogue as his tonal drivers. This austere, minimalist approach paradoxically attaches a true uniqueness to the film's composite feel. "The Bestowal" is a small triumph of deeply-felt moviemaking. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)