★ 5 / 10
An Ambitious, Thought-Provoking Watch Anchored by Two Standouts
MarcoB-73
This film won't be for everyone, but for those who enjoy layered symbolism and a more theatrical exploration of spiritual and psychological themes, there's a…
This film won't be for everyone, but for those who enjoy layered symbolism and a more theatrical exploration of spiritual and psychological themes, there's a lot to admire here.Bramwell Noah delivers a nuanced, quietly magnetic performance as The Devil-one of the more interesting takes on the character in recent memory. He brings a simmering tension to the role that doesn't rely on cliché. Opposite him, Daniel Schepisi as Jesus is equally compelling, adding both charisma and unexpected vulnerability to a character often portrayed in one note. Their scenes together are the film's heartbeat, and easily justify the watch.Yes, the supporting cast is uneven. But in a story where reality and metaphor blur, it's possible that the stylized, sometimes flat delivery is intentional, perhaps even a commentary on emotional disconnect in clinical settings. The sterile, almost dissociative feel of the psychiatric unit adds to the film's surreal, dreamlike tone.The soundtrack may seem fragmented, but it felt more like a collage-less traditional score, more emotional soundscape. If you view it that way, the dissonance starts to make sense within the film's internal logic.Some characters (like the Solicitor and PI) feel extraneous at first, but they do add to the broader allegory - each figure potentially representing aspects of doubt, logic, and moral ambiguity. This is a film that seems to ask questions more than it answers them, which is a strength for viewers who like to engage and interpret.This isn't a flawless film, but it's trying something daring and different. It's the kind of project that lingers with you longer than you'd expect. And for that alone, it earns its stars.
★ 9 / 10
Absolutely intense battle of wits!
knowles-85850
This is one intense film! It got my attention because it sounded different but I'm not sure what l just watched. It's about the devil (for real) in a battle of…
This is one intense film! It got my attention because it sounded different but I'm not sure what l just watched. It's about the devil (for real) in a battle of wits with a guy called Jesus (think he's Jesus?) in a mental hospital. That's always an interesting setting for a good enough story when it doesn't get too medical, and in According To Ben Adams you get a good enough story and then some.
This film is from Australia where they make some pretty funny comedies and it has some wicked humour here too. A character called Robby played by Alan Watts is on the receiving end of a brilliant chemistry with the devil character (Bramwell Noah). I couldn't take my eyes off these two even when the story stopped being funny and started to go to some pretty dark places. That part wasn't a surprise when the devil is in the driver's seat. Bramwell Noah is one those extraordinary actors who can make ordering a pizza sound like a Bond villain. He was a knockout and the other standout was Daniel Schepisi who played the guy who thinks he's Jesus. He's cast as a guy who might be nuts or might be Jesus. He holds to his own and starts out soft but also builds with the story. I already mentioned the Robby character, the one other star performer is turned in by Chloe Ng who is in the hospital because of her rock and roll lifestyle or something. She's explosive, fun and funny and steals every scene. But the fun is like everything else in this film, which means it comes with an intense edge.
It's got lots more neat little stylistic turns that kept me watching. I don't want to have spoilers but the way they use animation when Jesus tells stories caught this viewer off guard. The soundtrack did the same kind of thing because it's on the big side. The story is pretty big too and does get ahead of itself sometimes with maybe too much going on, but l stuck it out for the best reason all - I couldn't look away.
6.0/10
4.8K
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not everyones cup of tea