Brian lives on his own in a remote Welsh house. He spends his time inventing things in his workshop. Feeling the effects of loneliness, when he discovers a mannequin he makes a robot, Charles. To Brian’s amazement, Charles works and is able to learn. The pair form a friendship but Charles becomes unhappy with being kept in Brian’s house.
My initial reaction when seeing the trailers and publicity for Brian and Charles was that it could be insufferably quirky. However, it avoids that pitfall and is in turns sad, funny and touching. When Charles is stolen by a cruel neighbour and is mistreated, it is genuinely upsetting, such is the skill of writers David Earl and Chris Hayward, who also play Brian and Charles respectively. Of the performances, the standout is by Louise Brealy who plays the sweet Hazel who falls for Brian.
Not everything works perfectly. The mockumentary staging is both unnecessary and also an overused conceit, with Earl displaying some David Brent like mannerisms when talking to the camera. It is also unclear how Brian could afford an around the world holiday. But, on the whole, this is a warm and humane film.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10