Escaping the Fragile Planet

Gangly and neurotic, and always ready with a self-defensive quip, indie film director Benjamin nervously prepares for the premiere of his sophomore feature when he meets and falls hard for Noah, a young French musician. Will Benjamin’s insecurities get in the way of professional success, and also in the way of happiness as far as this burgeoning romance is concerned? Will his film be a critics-savaging disaster and he, a one-hit-wonder? Amstell peppers this entertaining tale with hilariously deadpan one-liners and a scene-stealing cast of supporting characters including Stephen, Benjamin’s manic-depressive stand-up comedian best friend; Billie, his unbearable publicist; Harry, his egocentric bi lead actor; and Tessa, his patient producer. British comedian Simon Amstell’s debut feature Benjamin is a romantic comedy, a charming, laugh-out-loud look at one man’s land mined road to success and love.