Jim Archer’s “Brian and Charles”

Brian and Charles (2022)

Charming magic reality fable on isolation and parenting with good humour and open to personal interpretation

Based on the 2017 short of the same name, this tells the story of Brian(David Earl) who lives a lonely life in an isolated Welsh village fresh out of lockdown, spending his days building bizarre inventions (e.g. an egg belt to hold eggs, shoe trawler nets). One day he decides to build a robot which in a thunderstorm comes to life and introduces himself as Charles Petrescu.

From there the film’s storyline is pretty standard but the relationships between the characters have a real spark that lift it and the setting is suitably beautiful, menacing and lonely. It’s also only 90 minutes so moves along at a good pace. I’ve heard people being put off by the look of Charles but surprisingly, the ridiculous washing machine frame is quickly forgotten as we get to know him.

A charming if slight film with great performances which is at times philosphical and uplifting. Also, if you watch and enjoy this, I recommend watching the hilarious BFI Q&A with Jim Archer, David Earl and Charles.