Benjamin | Rotten Tomatoes

Benjamin

Released Aug 25, 2020

1 hr. 25 min.

Romance

Comedy

LGBTQ+

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List

90%

41 Reviews

Tomatometer

78%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

A rising young filmmaker is thrown into emotional turmoil by a burgeoning romance and the upcoming premiere of his second feature.

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Premiered Jul 01

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Critics Consensus

Inspired by first-time feature filmmaker Simon Amstell's own experiences, Benjamin is a heartfelt ode to the search for human connection.

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Jayde

If you're looking for an easy watch this is not the one to choose. That being said the film is really well-written. I would suggest going into the film with the question in mind of "what is the filmmaker trying to get me to see in this?" The film creates a lot of deep thinking and I think an analytical mind would appreciate it. That being said, there is something so real about the experiences of the characters. I went into this for the lgbt+ romance but stayed for the, I'm lacking a better word but, cadence of thoughts. It was extremely thought provoking and I enjoyed that.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/16/23

Full Review

serena j

It's such a beautiful movie. Really portrays the ‘normal' life as an indie film and speaks about mental health issues. I love how this film also does not include stereotypical/romanticised gender or sexuality roles, This movie is a must see, it really brought out something in me!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/12/23

Full Review

Katherine K

A really enjoyable & touching tale of the insecurity of youthful love & commitment. How cute is Colin Morgan ! Roll over Timothee Chalamet !!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/04/23

Full Review

anduarto a

All the people turned off by "Bros" should give "Benjamin" a try. Just as funny but much more intelligent, true, thoughtful.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

isla s

This is at times an endearing watch - it features quirky characters and while the start was a bit slow and I felt unsure of the plot direction, I ended up feeling quite keen on and sad for the main character, given the situation he finds himself in. Its very much a British film, set in England and it has a philosophical angle to it too. Its about insecurities, isolation and the fear of rejection. Some of the dialogue is fairly thought provoking - one quote I remember from a YouTube video that the titular character watched, was as follows - 'one way to be happy is to enjoy being sad'. Hmmm, thoughtful stuff indeed. A little 'out of the box' perhaps but there you go. Given this film was both written and directed by Simon Amstell, who is relatively new to directing, I believe, I thought this was a decent film. It may bore some and its by no means a big budget Hollywood type watch but then I didn't expect that. I certainly enjoyed it and I would recommend it on that basis.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This movie is absolutely wonderful and possibly my favourite thing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

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Simon Amstell

Director

Colin Morgan

Benjamin

Anna Chancellor

Tessa

Phénix Brossard

Noah

Joel Fry

Stephen

Jack Rowan

Harry

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Benjamin: Trailer 1

2:21

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Guy Lodge

Variety

From this delicate premise, "Benjamin" wrings a lot of warmly perceptive, occasionally acidic humor.

Jul 21, 2020

Full Review

Anna Leszkiewicz

New Statesman

If this all seems a bit meta, Benjamin is grounded by its very sweet love story.

Mar 21, 2019

Full Review

Tara Brady

Irish Times

Under the satire, there's an authentic sense of emotional uncertainty.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 20, 2019

Full Review

Jason Shawhan

Nashville Scene

If you ever find yourself hoisted on the petard of your own overthinking, then this is the rom-com for you.

Sep 9, 2021

Full Review

Olly Richards

NME (New Musical Express)

Simon Amstell's first feature is a heartwarming, brutal self-portrait...

Sep 3, 2021

Full Review

Ben Turner

The Pink Lens

The writing is smart, self-aware and subtle, but for a comedian whose output has been so ballsy and sassy in the past, this semi-autobiographical nuance is a whole new angle for the man behind Pop Justice and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 1, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

A rising young filmmaker is thrown into emotional turmoil by a burgeoning romance and the upcoming premiere of his second feature.

Director: Simon Amstell
Screenwriter: Simon Amstell
Distributor: Artsploitation Films
Production Co: Open Palm Films
Genre: Romance, Comedy, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English (United Kingdom)
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 25, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 25, 2020

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