Connect (2019) User Reviews

Doesn't really connect, but a worthy effort

[spewy29167 · 7/10 · 26 November 2019]

It's a film it's hard to dislike, set in a beautiful part of Scotland, with solid direction, and music and about very important subject material.

It would have been better to have gone the extra mile and really dig much deeper into the causes, feelings of and symptoms of depression. It seems the protagonist wants to off himself at everthing that doesn't go perfectly in his life.

The film is also structured in a very sober and boring manner with awkward pauses which somewhat seems like it's a bit of a soap opera, ready for TV and not really a big screen work.

Serious topic but good execution

[ks-60500 · 6/10 · 28 January 2020]

For the mental illness or disability to connect really a serious topic, I think it's one of the few films did that. The theme kinda serious but the way they tell us is not bad. It's kinda good indeed. Just don't treat this movie as a romance but treat as a patient way of life.

Man is a social animal

[Heisenb · 30 November 2019]

"Man is a social animal" - a quote that is attributed to Aristotle and a line from the movie, holds an important truth and is probably the core message. We need connections with others for many reasons. Connect reminds us of this and shows us some uncomplicated ways of doing so. As well as some other good points to keep on living and how we can choose to think about things. It seems dull at moments. But this is it's power. Once the nature of this movie is understood it can be appreciated for what it is.

SPOILER - about the ending:

There is some suspense/mystery/foreboding as an recurring element which was successful in drawing me in and it kept me wondering what certain things meant and how it would all end. First i thought the final scene is only there to shock us and keep us thinking/talking about the movie and it's subject. I wanted a happy positive ending you see.

But the more sinister and logical explanation is that Brian's story ended when he sees a certain hoodie and a rope. What follows is another life that he could never experience. Perhaps that fantasy flashes before his eyes in his last moments and we get to see it. Reminds me of something that some 'jump survivors' have mentioned about what they wanted after they jumped. That they suddenly wished they had not done it but could keep on living and change their life. And some have indeed changed their lives for the better and are now even helping others.

A brilliant film that'll hit you like no other!

[brionymonroe · 10/10 · 27 March 2019]

A beautifully shot film set in Scotland. This film deals with a complex, serious issue which is a blight on the lives of so many today. This powerful tale written and directed by the incredibly talented Marilyn Edmond is told very well by a wealth of amazing talent, both in front of and behind the camera. Lead actor Kevin Guthrie delivers an outstanding performance as Brian, he is well supported by Siobhan Reilly who is wonderful as Sam and Cameron Fulton who, as Gavin, is the torchlight within the darkness by bringing such a wonderful element of humour. When watching this film the quality (grading, soundtrack, etc.) was really something to behold as was the attention to detail and it was hard to believe we were watching a low budget film. It was a fantastic job by all involved. It is a story that had to be told and has to be heard, please see this if you can. You won't regret it.

Beautiful and moving indie film

[piersjustinalban · 10/10 · 4 January 2020]

Full disclaimer, I have no connection at all to this production, and this is my first review for IMDB. Believable characters and a sensitive portrayal of a very real issue that avoids falling into an overly polemical approach. Lovely setting and a great debut. I shed a few tears watching this, one minor character references "Its a wonderful Life" and you can see some retractions of that film's theme, that we are or should be connected to those around us.

Fantastic Film and Great Story

[a-borland · 10/10 · 16 March 2019]

Well done to Maz Edmund Director , Film Writer on her extraordinary story which is so close to a lot of Family these days . Well done to all the Actors especially Kevin Guthrie in his role in this brilliant self funded film. I had the pleasure of being an extra with my husband in a non speaking part in this amazing film it was filmed in 15 days from start to finish , all the actors put a lot of hours in to help this film be made I have never realised what goes into making any films etc but every single person works hard and to see the final film on screen was such a thrill. You should all be so proud of all your hard work . Lets hope it gets onto the Big Screen and TV as this film needs to be shown worldwide.

A Beautifully Bold Debut from a Strong Scottish Talent

[RossSKelly · 10/10 · 14 May 2019]

Writer/Director Marilyn Edmond truly does, what can be tough subject to tackle, with such delicate creativity and poetic justice. Supported by a shoestring budget and tight schedule, Edmond creates a resilient piece of cinematic storytelling with a careful dash of Scottish humour and heart. Blending drama and comedy is no easy feat and Edmond portrays it so beautifully, supported by the stellar cast and showcasing the magnificence of the Scottish landscape. Guthrie nails his leading performance with such small subtle characteristics, showcasing the poisonous effects of mental illness in contemporary manhood. Reilly and Fulton support the story in their own distinctive way The story, the themes, the messages, this is a story that needs to be seen. Writer/Director Marilyn Edmond is just getting started.

Thought provoking film

[beejaywilson-29646 · 24 March 2019]

This film was beautifully shot in North Berwick .The script was handled with great sensitivity and insight and still had wry humour . I remained engaged with the characters throughout the film and had to keep asking questions of myself as the plot moved on . Well acted , well written , well directed and well edited. Will recommend this film to all my family and friends . Great job Maz Edmond on your debut film .Not your last I am sure.

Brilliant Film

[jamesmckayofficial · 10/10 · 16 March 2019]

Everything about this film is just incredible for a small budget film and directorial debut. The story subject, which is becoming increasingly relevant, is handled beautifully by writer/director and acted out perfectly by the cast. The setting of North Berwick plays an equally major part in the film, as does the music, lighting and cinematography. Top Mark's.

Did he kill himself in the end?

[limrej · 10/10 · 28 November 2019]

Please answer, loved the movie though. But i cant explain the end i thought everyone was just a figment of his imagination

Great debut from Marilyn

[thecoullsinthepans · 10/10 · 12 September 2019]

When I watched this film you could have heard a pin drop. It was an excellent and thoughtful film I will definitely watch again the actors were wonderful and lots of local talent as well. I am sure we will be attending many more of Maz's films. Very proud of our local lass.

Great film well made

[djhoggie · 22 July 2020]

Great film well made around a delicate subject. Great cast and director and wonderfully shot

Some scenes worked others did not

[jordondave-28085 · 4/10 · 27 April 2024]

(2019) Connect PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA

Produced, written and directed by Marilyn Edmond that centers on a worker at a hardware store, Brian (Kevin Guthrie) living in a small Scottish town when his co-worker, Gavin (Cameron Fulton) informs him about a former school chum name Dave has just took his own life. And it appears at first, Brian was touched by the news as soon as he leaves work, he then makes an attempt at jumping off of an edge. He is then stopped by a guy name Jeff (Stephen McCole) and intends to be his friend as well as call him each day to find out how he is doing. He also invites him to be a volunteer at the old folks home that he runs. By the time he returns home to his flat, we are then meet his roommate, Eric (Conor McCarron). Brian then receives a call from his mom to come and celebrate his grandmother's birthday. On the following day we are then introduced to more characters such as his mom, Maureen (Jennifer Black); his distant dad, Jim (John McColl); Brian's sister, Deborah (Sara Vickers) and her baby, Ollie as they are celebrating their grandmother, Rose's (Dolina MacLennan) birthday party celebrating with other friends. And by the next day, he then volunteers at the old folks home, where Jeff happens to own the entire facility, it is is there he meets his eventual love interest, Sam (Siobhan Reilly) who has a son of her own, Jake and her husband, Simon (Neil Leiper).

Some scenes work while others do not such as the scene where (spoiler alert) when Brian receives a call from her sister, Debbie to come over and see her. Brian suddenly leaves abruptly in the middle of night after he is making out with his girlfriend, Sam. And by the time he arrives at his sister's place, his sister informs him that her husband had just cheating on her. Consoling her toward to living in their parents place, to which as a result of that one night stand, Sam assumed Brian was a player. To which the movie could have avoided any type of confusion had he woke Sam up a little and inform her that he was heading toward his sister's. Ending the movie in a twist, regarding the true identity of Brian's roommate, Eric to which it turns out is actually Brian's brother, the reason why he had many suicidal thoughts. That the person viewers thought was alive, was actually dead all along he was just someone Brian conjured up in his head without realizing he had been dead all along. Brian takes his own life by hanging when his mother asked him to grab beer from the garage.