Written by David Earl and Chris Hayward
Directed by Jim Archer
Starring David Earl, Chris Hayward and Louise Brealey
Running time 1 hour and 30 minutes
MPAA Rating PG for language, smoking and mild violence
Opens in theaters June 17

by Rosalie Kicks, Editor in Chief and Old Sport

“Building a robot is much like building a cake…”

I see myself as a bit of a dabbler extraordinaire.

In the confines of my home, I have a laboratory where I spend much of my time toiling away on various experiments. There have been several occasions in which a piece of picked trash from the neighborhood curb has been transformed into a new best friend. One man’s junk is my treasure. To me, even the most frivolous items have feelings and I simply don’t like to see things go to waste. Which, I suspect, is why I have a plethora of random sewing supplies. I just never know when they will come in handy or if one of my plush will need a new eye. There’s also the fact that I am a bit of a sentimentalist, which is why the film Brian and Charles absolutely melted my heart.

Director Jim Archer’s feature film debut, based on the short of the same name, is a whimsical story about loneliness and friendship. The films writers, David Earl and Chris Hayward play the main characters Brian and Charles, respectively. Brian (David Earl) is a mad scientist of sorts that creates quirky inventions that, unfortunately, no one really asked for. Take, for example, the cuckoo clock that has the ability to fly so that anyone in the village is able to tell the time. Personally, I think this is a rather fascinating concept but is cause for a few head scratches in terms of its durability.

On one trash picking expedition, Brian uncovers a mannequin head and decides to build a robot. Without a doubt, it is quickly realized that he is building more than a cyborg… he is building a friend. Before the creation of Charles the robot, the film has Brian breaking the fourth wall and directly acknowledging the viewer. He explains that he finds inspiration from all around him and even poses the question, “Who wouldn’t want to build one?”, in speaking about the idea of fashioning a robot. There are definite moments during this film in which I was getting some Frankenstein (1931) vibes. However, with the lack of grave robbing and dead body parts, this tale does not take the path of macabre. Instead, it is filled with a touch of charm and delight. However, it does address the idea of humanity fearing things they don’t understand.

When Charles shows his initial sign of life, Brian is more than pleased… he is ecstatic! Of course, he also has a concerns. I never felt so seen within a movie before. The feeling of excitement that one of your inventions works, but the idea of not wanting to expose it to the world out of fear that your creation will be misunderstood. In the beginning of their companionship, Brian and Charles are quite happy with their confined existence of slumber parties and tea times. Although, problems start to fester when Charles wants more out of life. He wants to see beyond the four walls of the house. As he learns more from his copious amounts of telly watching, he demands adventure and to visit such exotic places as Hawaii. Brian is apprehensive though about introducing him to others out of fear that Charles will be hurt.

Brian’s anxiety is understandable. He is seen as the lovable eccentric in the small town and a bit of a pushover. He is infatuated with a young woman, Hazel (Louise Brealey), but does not seem to have the nerve to ask her out. Inevitably the two do bond, once she accidentally becomes aware of Charles. Their relationship becomes even more important when facing the town bully. There is one scene in particular that is very reminiscent of Frankenstein, when the villagers in after they learn that Charles is alive!

Overall, I believe this is a picture you will not regret watching. I found the story to be truly magical and it brought joy to me in these trying times we all find ourselves in. It somehow even managed to make me question which Charles character truly does have my heart. Sorry, Chucky, but you have some competition.