Benjamin is the feature debut from English comedian and filmmaker, Simon Amstell. It’s described as a semi-autobiographical project, which follows a young rising filmmaker, the titular Benjamin (Colin Morgan), whose crippling neuroticisms and constant self-doubt gets the better of him as he completes post-production on his second film after a successful debut many years back. On a night out with some friends, he comes across a French singer, Noah (Phénix Brossard), and becomes enamored. They share a dinner, have a brief chat, one thing leads to another, and they end up spending the night together.
While there certainly is a romance element to the story, it’s is less a story about romance, and more of a character study. One that explores the complicated and at times, frustratingly hard to penetrate mind of our lead – and in a sense, Amstell himself. That personal touch is very evident in all the idiosyncrasies, and in the sense of pain and anxiousness that informs every moment we see Benjamin on screen. He’s kind of insufferable, yet weirdly charming despite that. He’s compelling because it is easy to recognize parts of yourself in him, even those feelings aren’t as extreme as his, and it forms a strong connection.
It also helps that the film is quite funny, which probably isn’t too surprising considering the guy behind all this. It was never really laugh out loud funny, but it was consistently amusing, mostly through really dry, and bitterly clever lines. Benjamin being as awkward as he is lends itself to creating moments that really strike a balance between uncomfortable and comical, and the way he bounces his particular energy off everyone else is really fun to watch, and it further endears us to him as a character.
Of course, the film isn’t all laughs. For the most part, what shines the most about it is how sweet, tender, and honest it is. It’s a deeply vulnerable film that explores loneliness, existential angst, and the feeling that one may not be deserving of experiencing and giving love, and it explores these themes with empathy and sincerity, acting as a contrast to the otherwise sardonic and cynical sense of humor. The cast does a wonderful job here touching on these subjects. Morgan brings depth to a character that in lesser hands would feel like a standard tortured artist type, and his dynamic with supporting players like Brossard, Jack Rowan, frequent scene stealers, Anna Chancellor and Joel Fry, as well as a brief but hard hitting encounter with an ex played by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, is really strong and believable.
Benjamin is a film that wears its heart on its sleeve, and while it may seem like another quirky, unassuming indie on the surface, but underneath all that is something that is really thoughtful, introspective, and unafraid of leaving certain questions unanswered. I did a little bit of research on Simon Amstell after seeing the film, and it only becomes more clear how much of his voice really comes through in a way that feels incredibly authentic. It’s very promising work, with a very distinctive point-of-view, and a sense of emotional honesty that speaks to feelings that are often hard to discuss and explore. People who are already familiar with and are fans of Amstell and his work will likely find a lot to love about this, but even if you aren’t familiar, like I was, it’s a lovely and often insightful little film that will certainly win you over.
Benjamin will be available on VOD platforms and select virtual cinemas starting July 24th.