Stephen (Edward Hogg), who hasn’t left his apartment in a month, starts confronting the painful memories of a road trip he once took to continental Europe together with his best friend (Simon Farnaby). Paul King moved into film after directing the cult TV series The Mighty Boosh and brought its two stars with him; Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding are amusing in key supporting roles. Not really related to the show, the movie is an ambitious comedy with serious themes about how to cope with depression. Visually the film is highly creative; Stephen’s memories are playfully recreated, parts of them animated. But it’s also a funny, sweet experience; the leads are great together.

2009-Britain. 101 min. Widescreen. Produced by Mark Herbert, Mary Burke, Robin Gutch. Written and directed by Paul King. Cinematography: John Sorapure. Cast: Edward Hogg (Stephen Turnbull), Simon Farnaby (Bunny), Verónica Echegui (Eloisa), Julian Barratt, Noel Fielding, Richard Ayoade.

Last word: “[The lead characters] are not everyone’s cup of tea. Some people ask why these two guys are friends. I suppose it either works for you or it doesn’t. But I like the idea that when you go into a relationship with someone there’s always the dodgy person that you ask: ‘Why are you friends with that person?’ And you go: ‘Oh what, Danny? He’s great! He’s a mate from way back…’ ‘Brideshead Revisited’ was a big model for me… that youthful love friendship where it takes you a long time to realise what a shit ball somebody is. I think Bunny is fun.” (King, indieLondon)

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