If one were to describe Brian and Charles, charming and heartfelt will quickly come to mind. The film — directed by Jim Archer from a screenplay by David Earl and Chris Hayward, who also star — meanders a bit and isn’t particularly nuanced, but that isn’t a big problem for what it aims to be, which is a crowd-pleasing, delightful film. Brian and Charles is a soothing, lighthearted, and warm story about friendship and connection that is strengthened by its titular characters.
Brian (Earl) is a loner who spends his days creating anything and everything, usually from the scraps he finds. His home and workshop are filled with what others might call junk, but they are things he sees great value in for his next creation. When rummaging through the bins one day, Brian finds a mannequin and decides to create a sentient robot he names Charles (voiced by Hayward). Brian is overjoyed that he has someone to share his life with day in and day out, and the start of his friendship with Charles is delightful. However, as Charles develops his own wants and needs outside of his relationship with Brian, things get a bit complicated. They’re made even worse with the involvement of the small town’s bully, Eddie (Jamie Michie).
Brian and Charles successfully delves into the need for human connection while maintaining the film’s sense of cheer. Not only is it about the importance of friendship, but it engages with themes of letting go, attachment, and the idea that one can grow if they have something to fight for and someone to love — be it a significant other, a family member, or a robot like Charles. The story never grows too dark or becomes disheartening and, though it doesn’t take any big turns beyond the gentle friendship at its core, it remains engaging and thoughtful. Audiences shouldn’t expect the film to dig any deeper beyond its surface — and that’s okay. The focus on the titular characters evolves throughout the film, which amplifies the heart that is at the core of the story.
Earl does a fabulous job carrying the majority of the film. His Brian is sweet, cheerful, earnest, and funny. The actor allows Brian to open up as the movie goes on; he’s happy with his life as is, but he’s also lonely, lacking the courage to ask out Hazel (Louise Brealey), the woman he likes. His relationship with Charles gives Brian a friend and agency, someone to provide for and converse with, and Earl portrays every aspect of his character’s development throughout so wonderfully. Likewise, Hayward is fantastic as Charles. With his voice alone, the actor gives Charles a distinct personality; the robot is naive, but good-natured and often quite funny. Together, Earl and Hayward make a memorable duo.
Brian and Charles is ultimately a simple film — one that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is unconcerned with engaging with the larger narrative about humans and robots. That works for this crowd-pleasing film. Could the story have delved further into Brian and Charles’ friendship, as well as the complications of having a robot for a friend in such a small town? Of course. But the film is rather content being a modest and touching feature. The characters are charming, the tone light, and the ending a bit moving. Friendship and the depth of connection one can share with another is the beating heart of Brian and Charles and the creatives understand the power that alone can hold.
Brian and Charles is in theaters June 17. The film is 90 minutes long and is rated PG for language, mild violence, and smoking.