Benjamin Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Anxiety-prone filmmaker freaks out about his new movie while awkwardly trying to date a French musician, proving love and premiere nights are equally terrifying.

🍿 Benjamin: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Filmmaker on the Brink

Benjamin is a young, anxiety-ridden filmmaker in London, struggling with the upcoming premiere of his second feature film. Despite past success, he grapples with self-doubt and the pressures of the creative industry. His chaotic personal life mirrors his professional anxieties, as he navigates relationships and friendships.

A Chance Encounter and Developing Romance

Amidst the stress of his film’s release, Benjamin meets Noah, a charismatic and younger French musician. Their connection offers a potential escape from his inner turmoil. The film explores the awkward, tentative beginnings of their relationship as Benjamin tries to open himself up to intimacy despite his deep-seated insecurities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Benjamin (Colin Morgan): An anxious young filmmaker grappling with the premiere of his second film and a burgeoning romance.
• Noah (Phénix Brossard): A sensitive young French musician who becomes Benjamin’s primary love interest.
• Stephen (Joel Fry): Benjamin’s awkward friend and a struggling comedian who provides support and comedic relief.
• Billie (Jessica Raine): A volatile journalist and friend of Benjamin’s who adds tension and offers sharp critiques.
• Harry (Jack Rowan): A friend of Benjamin’s with whom he shares a past or complicated connection.
• Tessa (Anna Chancellor): Benjamin’s film producer managing the professional pressures surrounding his film’s release.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Benjamin: “I mean, will we want to do this again? Or…” – Benjamin awkwardly tries to gauge the outcome of a one-night stand with Harry.
• Harry: “I think it was… kind of an experiment, you know.” – Harry responds to Benjamin’s awkward question about their encounter, framing it clinically.
• Stephen: “Maybe a swan.” – Stephen proposes ‘maybe a swan’ as the subject for Noah’s performance art piece, trying to be profound but sounding ridiculous.
• Benjamin: “What’s happening to me… I’m a real boy?” – Benjamin says this during an emotional breakdown moment, referencing Pinocchio and confronting his feelings.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $97,521

💥 Benjamin Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I wasn’t sure what to expect with ‘Benjamin’, but I ended up really connecting with it. It’s got this really specific, cringe-y British humor that just lands right for me. I felt so much for Benjamin, navigating the premiere of his film and also this new romance. It felt incredibly real, especially the moments where his anxiety just takes over and he says something totally wrong. We’ve all been there, right? The scene in the bath was surprisingly sweet and vulnerable, and the ending left me feeling hopeful. It’s not a big, flashy movie, but it felt like a quiet, honest look at trying to let someone in when you’re terrified of getting hurt or messing things up. Definitely worth watching if you like quirky, character-driven stories.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of introspective and awkward British comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ romance dramas”
  • “Admirers of Simon Amstell’s specific comedic voice”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories about anxiety and relationships”
  • “Fans of the lead actors, particularly Colin Morgan”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of anxiety and social awkwardness”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Male nudity (brief)”
  • “Implied sexual content (non-explicit)”

Professional Reviews

• Synthesized: “Simon Amstell’s ‘Benjamin’ is a charmingly awkward exploration of creative and romantic vulnerability. Colin Morgan delivers a compelling performance as the titular filmmaker grappling with self-doubt and a burgeoning relationship. The film excels in its dry humor and relatable portrayal of social anxiety within London’s arts scene. While sometimes meandering, its genuine heart and offbeat sensibility make it a poignant watch.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers related deeply to Benjamin’s awkwardness and anxiety.: The acting, particularly Colin Morgan’s portrayal of Benjamin, received widespread praise for its vulnerability and comedic timing. The film’s unique tone, blending dry humor with genuine emotion, resonated with many.

Overall Consensus: A quirky, often hilarious, and deeply relatable film praised for its authentic portrayal of anxiety, vulnerability, and the messy nature of human connection, although some found it slow or self-indulgent.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing heavily on writer-director Simon Amstell’s personal experiences and anxieties, particularly regarding relationships and his career.”
• “Real-life acclaimed film critics Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo appear in the film, reviewing Benjamin’s movie on their actual radio show set.”
• “The soundtrack features contributions from James Righton, formerly of the band Klaxons, and includes a version of Biff Rose’s song ‘Fill Your Heart’, famously covered by David Bowie.”

🖥️ How to Watch Benjamin?

As of late 2023/early 2024, the availability of ‘Benjamin’ (2018) on major streaming platforms may vary by region. It has previously been available on platforms like MUBI, but check services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, and YouTube Movies for rental or purchase options. Availability is subject to change, so confirm on your preferred platform.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Benjamin, you might like these similar films:

• God’s Own Country (2017): A critically acclaimed British LGBTQ+ drama focusing on a closed-off protagonist who begins to open up emotionally through a relationship, sharing a thematic core with Benjamin.
• Submarine (2010): Another British indie film centred around an introspective, socially awkward young protagonist navigating first love and existential anxieties with quirky humour.
• The Lobster (2015): A unique UK/Irish co-production from the same era that uses absurd and darkly comedic elements to explore themes of relationships, loneliness, and societal pressure to couple up.
• The Worst Person in the World (2021): A modern film that follows a young woman navigating the complexities of relationships, career, and identity in a major city, sharing Benjamin’s introspective tone and focus on self-discovery.
• Withnail & I (1987): A beloved British cult classic about two unemployed actors living in squalor, capturing the struggles of artists with sharp, witty, and often bleakly funny dialogue and a distinct sense of place.

🛒 Benjamin Related Products

• Benjamin [Blu-ray]: Own Simon Amstell’s critically acclaimed bittersweet comedy on high-definition Blu-ray, perfect for rewatching those hilariously awkward moments.
• Benjamin (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: Experience the film’s unique musical atmosphere with the official soundtrack featuring James Righton’s score and notable tracks like ‘King’ by Years & Years, on classic vinyl.
• The Price of Two Sugars: My Journey Through Anxiety: Explore themes of anxiety and self-discovery similar to Benjamin’s journey in this insightful memoir.
• Queer Cinema: The Film Guide: Dive deeper into the world of LGBTQ+ filmmaking with this comprehensive guide, placing ‘Benjamin’ within the broader context of queer cinema.

🎧 Soundtrack

Benjamin features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “King” – performed by Years & Years
• “Original Score” – performed by James Righton
• “Fill Your Heart” – performed by Biff Rose

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Evolution of Benjamin Button

Curious about how they made Brad Pitt appear to age backward in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’? This quick video gives you a fascinating peek into the amazing visual transformation – it’s definitely worth a watch!

✨ Rate