Watch Benjamin

Benjamin is a 2018 coming-of-age drama directed by Simon Amstell. The film follows the titular character, a young filmmaker played by Colin Morgan, as he struggles to navigate his personal life and creative process. The film takes place in present-day London and begins with Benjamin premiering his second feature film at a film festival. Though his film is well-received, Benjamin is plagued by intense anxiety and self-doubt. His personal life is equally tumultuous, as he finds himself embroiled in a complicated relationship with musician Noah (played by newcomer Gabe Gilmour).

Throughout the film, Benjamin grapples with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, often in comical and painfully relatable ways. His interactions with his friends and family members are insightful and complex, as he tries to balance his desire for romantic love with his fear of rejection and his creative ambitions.

One of the film's major themes is authenticity, both in terms of art and personal relationships. Benjamin is frequently challenged by his peers and mentors to be more vulnerable and honest in his filmmaking, which parallels his struggles to be open and truthful with those around him. The film also explores the idea of queerness and the complexities of being a gay man in contemporary society, as well as the intersection of mental health issues and artistic pursuit.

The film's cast is primarily composed of young, up-and-coming actors. Colin Morgan delivers a standout performance as the titular character, navigating the nuanced emotional arc of the film with grace and skill. Gabe Gilmour is another standout, bringing a raw honesty to his portrayal of the troubled musician Noah. Jack Rowan, who plays Benjamin's friend and collaborator Harry, is also excellent, providing much of the film's comic relief while also offering poignant moments of insight and support.

Director Simon Amstell, who also wrote the screenplay, infuses the film with a wry sense of humor and a keen eye for detail. The film is shot in a naturalistic style, with handheld camera work and muted colors creating a sense of intimacy and authenticity. The soundtrack, composed by James Righton, is subtle and understated, underscoring the film's themes of vulnerability and human connection.

Overall, Benjamin is a thoughtful and moving exploration of the complexities of modern life and the pursuit of artistic expression. Simultaneously funny and poignant, the film offers a fresh perspective on the coming-of-age genre, and showcases the talents of a talented young cast and director. So, if you are a fan of indie dramas with relatable characters, Benjamin is definitely worth checking out.

Benjamin is a 2019 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 70.