Eccentric inventor, Brian, longs for companionship but it always seems just out of reach. When he comes across a mannequin head among a pile of fly-tipped rubbish, he decides to make a robot. Doubting his hard work has paid off, Brian comes home one day to find a now fully sentient robot who names himself Charles Petrescu. The pair form a strong friendship but with Charles yearning to see more of the outside world, will Brian’s desire to remain at home be the pair’s undoing?

Brian and Charles (2022) – Director: Jim Archer

Is Brian and Charles appropriate for kids?

By Internet Movie Database, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70944192

Rating: PG

Running Length: 90 mins

Starring: David Earl, Chris Hayward, Louise Brealey

Genres: Comedy, Science Fiction

REVIEW: BRIAN AND CHARLES

Every now and then a small feature film comes along and quietly blows you away. ‘Brian and Charles’ is a quirky little gem that follows Brian (David Earl), via the medium of mockumentary, as he goes about his hum drum days, seeking out new useless things to invent. Have you ever wanted a bag covered in pinecones? How about a belt that holds all your eggs? Well, Brian is the man to go to.

Underneath his positive exterior is a not-so-well-hidden interior of loneliness. He may be introverted with a lack of will to socialise but he wants to interact with others, especially local lady, Hazel (Louise Brealey) but struggles to close the distance between them. His flippant decision to make a robot when he sees a pile of rubbish speaks of his eccentricity, enthusiasm and confidence in his own abilities so, even though it doesn’t come together straight away, when that plan actually creates life, he is overjoyed.

Brian isn’t an outwardly enthusiastic character and, although his character holds no hidden nastiness, his eccentric nature could be difficult to warm to, but Earl manages to gently endear him to us early on. Charles (Chris Hayward), who speaks in a robotic, adult male voice while acting like a happy toddler balances such sweet comedy perfectly without being in any way saccharine.

Of course, conflict has to come from somewhere and the rough and ready neighbours who are ever present in the background are there to take advantage of the determined yet naïve Charles.

‘Brian and Charles’ is unusual, unique and fun. It tells exactly the story it means to and never outstays its welcome. Give yourself a treat and enjoy a tale of a man and his robot!

CONTENT: IS ‘BRIAN AND CHARLES’ SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

Brian gets home one evening during a thunderstorm. He sees something moving outside and goes to investigate. Something watches him and moves in the shadows – this scene is a little spooky.

Brian’s neighbours are established early on as an aggressive and intimidating family. Most of the villagers are afraid of them, including Brian.

The neighbours visit Brian’s house, hoping to see (and possibly steal) Charles. They are intimidating to Brian and physically push him around. He is clearly afraid and humiliated by their treatment.

When Brian gets home one day, his front door is damaged and Charles is missing; he has been kidnapped. Brian finds Charles at the neighbours, suffering terrible treatment but the father of the family refuses to let Brian take him home. The daughters goad the pair, saying Charles will be put on a bonfire.

CAN I SEE A CLIP?

VERDICT: IS ‘BRIAN AND CHARLES’ FOR KIDS?

‘Brian and Charles’ is a lovely and unique little movie and is bound to capture the hearts of all who see it. While there is little inappropriate content for kids, this is a very subtle, gentle and grown up movie which is likely to lack any razzmatazz to interest children; we therefore recommend it for kids aged 12 and over.

Violence: 1/5 (some forceful pushing and threats of violence)
Emotional Distress: 1/5 (a moment towards the end of the movie could be a little sad but it is more hopeful than upsetting)
Fear Factor: 2/5 (the neighbours are an ever present threat)
Sexual Content: 0/5
Bad Language: 0/5
Dialogue: 1/5 (there are some threats made towards both Brian and Charles from the neighbours which upset them both)
Other Notes: Deals with themes of friendship, loneliness, eccentricity, loyalty, ingenuity and respecting the differences in others.