Kensho at the Bedfellow

I was very pleasantly surprised by how well the film was shot. But most of all I was really happy to be pulled into the wonderful, stylized performance by Brad Raider. He was at times flippant like a live action Archer from the comedy series and at other times charming and sincere. Raider's screen presence was unique and really holds the film together. Part Kafka and part Pinter and part Bunuel the script moves well and it's beautifully directed and filmed but it's Raider I find so interesting to watch. Genuine unique energy and look and presence. The film dialogue is surreal at times but completely correct in context of the reality and sincere look it's taking into the life of Raider's charming but disaffected doorman. Overall, it's a well acted, well made film that is the reason independent film is important and Raider is a great unique voice.

It's very professional and well worth a look now.

This movie is a stunning vision by a masterful filmmaker. The animated sequences are incredible too. I like films that follow life and offer deeper meaning and details within life like the movie Mr. Nobody. If you want to be taken on a journey this movie could be for you!

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.

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.

This is a terrific movie with a classic Dickens esque transformation at it's core. I guess it's easy for some to be cynical about transformations like that. But I've seen them happen in life. And I was truly moved by it. The story is told with some impressive visuals that really pulled me into the movie. It's an indie but one that's really well done. A very engaging film.