by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What inspires people to grow and be better? Change can be hard and getting outside of your comfort zone is even harder. Many of us need something that will be the catalyst of that change. Something or someone who will push us to make that difference. Many films are about a character finding that something or someone that will give them the push to be better and find a way to evolve. Jim Archer’s latest directorial effort, Brian and Charles, is exactly that movie.
But exactly how much of that movie is Brian and Charles? Despite a unique approach and tone, this narrative is exactly what you might expect. We start with Brian. This quirky and kind, yet depressed man finds himself in almost complete isolation. He has been through a lot, and has cut himself off from his small town and surrounded himself in his inventing and offbeat exploits. There is a woman in town (kind and sweet), who he is certainly smitten for. But he never takes the steps to act on it. Then there is a cruel and assertive bully in town who puts everyone else under his thumb. The nervous and reclusive Brian is an easy target, and he never sticks up for himself. We can already tell the changes and growth that Brian must experience. We know the narrative and have seen it play out in plenty of films.
But it is sometimes more importantly about the actual journey, right? That is where this offbeat and quirky tale from writer-stars David Earl and Chris Hayward does exactly. We know what is going to happen, but that becomes secondary to the engaging and emotional experience that Archer crats. But what is the “who” and “what” that rights the ship for Brian? Charles… a robot. This “wide-eyed” and naïve creation pushes Brian places it has never been, or to places he hasn’t seen in a long time. This genuine and endearing dynamic between a quirky inventor and a snarky robot is what everyone needs in their life.
We have already discussed the flow of the narrative and how we already know the beats, but what makes the dynamics between Brian and Charles so unique? Each actor portraying the two leads wrote this script and knows exactly how their characters need to be portrayed and how they need to grow. Brian is a troubled and lonely man. But this situation does not keep his affect down for too long. He is an aggressively nice and genuine man; he just says the darndest things. But the issue is, he is stunted and unable to grow past his own fear. Charles on the other hand is like a child. He is endlessly curious. He always wants to go out and see the world (that Brian hides him away from due to his loneliness and fear). Charles also lacks fear and anxiety so he can ram Brian right into the uncomfortable places that he needs to get to live a better life. Their dynamic is hilarious and charming. There is plenty of tension as well, which feels like a parent-child dynamic. Between their connection and the one that Brian slowly cultivates with his love, Hazel (Louise Brealey), there are great character moments to sink your teeth into.
These characters can only be as strong as the actors who breathe life into them, correct? Luckily, Archer has both Earl and Hayward there to bring the script to life. Earl is a fast-talking and snarky presence. There is a strange charm that he brings with his salt-and-pepper, bearded face. He has a British edge to him, but he still offers up a loving and caring presence for both Charles and (later for) Hazel. Hayward, on the other hand, has a strange job to do in this film. He is the hulking presence of Charles (made from a large household appliance). His physicality is great — he walks robotically and throws in some charming and fun dance numbers as well. Charles’ robotic voice is perfect for delivering some great dry and biting wit as well. His manic vocal cadence shows his insecurities as the equivalent to a newborn baby. Throw in Brealey’s sweet and kind demeanor, and Jamie Michie’s intimidating presence as Eddie (the bully), and we have quite the convincing ensemble.
What can a film do to transcend its familiar elements? Create characters that are unique, and who we can talk about. We can get past familiar beats when the dynamics among the characters is enough to engage and entertain the audience. Build a tone and atmosphere that will foster an emotional experience when following along with these familiar beats. Brian and Charles is an impressive effort from its game cast and crew. That is why it is worth your time. The story is relatable, the characters enjoyable, and the experience is full of laughs and emotions.
Score: 9/10
You can follow Shane Conto on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd