Is Ben and Benedict Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1977)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Ben and Benedict (1977), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Ben (Françoise Lebrun) is a woman who never gets to do what she really wants to do and is the victim of everybody and everything. Benedict is her imaginary creation: the girl who would respond with strength and mastery to situations she can only submit to. She is married to a cad who says he only married her because she was pregnant, and now he wants his freedom. Her real love is a fellow medical student, who shows some interest in her. Nonetheless, she remains faithful to her unenthusiastic husband, until she becomes pregnant again. At this point, she begins to act more like the Benedict of her dreams and less like the "Ben" she has lived as until now."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Françoise Lebrun does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Ben and Benedict worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Ben and Benedict is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 95 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.