This movie is a stunning vision by a masterful filmmaker. The animated sequences are incredible too. I like films that follow life and offer deeper meaning and details within life like the movie Mr. Nobody. If you want to be taken on a journey this movie could be for you!
20 Reviews
A Creative and Visual Experience
JGReviews22 May 2020
Kensho at the Bedfellow is a really interesting indie film. I was intrigued at first when I saw the film festival laurels (apparently it has won a few awards on the festival circuit) and ultimately won over after watching the trailer. The film might sound familiar on the surface -- a doorman dealing with the death of a sister -- but Kensho at the Bedfellow is remarkably creative and a unique visual experience. You really have to watch it to understand. The film is described as "micro-budget," but you wouldn't know that from watching the film. In fact, many scenes are visual standouts, perhaps aided by the perfect New York scenery. Kensho at the Bedfellow is definitely a film worth watching.
A gem of a film
craigahrens25 May 2020
This is such a terrific film. I completely enjoyed it. The acting was spot on throughout the film. I loved the characters. They were all very good. This is a solid story with an engaging pace that the Director establishes early on in the film. There were no flat spots for me with this indie gem of a film. This is a good example why for many of us we enjoy watching indie films. Well the obvious here for me, is a thumbs up for this film. Bravo folks!! Well done!!
A truly incredible film
gregfeinberg8 September 2016
I was lucky enough to see Kensho on the big screen where it won Best Feature Film at the festival I attended. I was absolutely amazed at what I saw and experienced in that theatre. Kensho is the kind of film that you rarely see these days — an original, engaging and powerful story that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's subversively funny, emotionally resonant, inspiring, and endlessly creative in its micro-budget wizardry.
The film explores themes of fulfillment, life-purpose, social conscience, sex, death, and consciousness expansion all in the context of the cultural phenomenon that is New York City.
The acting is also superb. Raider and Ronayne lead a cast of accomplished, theatre-trained actors that disappear into characters that are both relatable and fascinating to watch. The cinematography is gorgeous and highlights Manhattan in a mesmerizing, Koyaanisqatsi-like way.
As writer/director, Raider is a nuanced and visionary film artist who conjures comparison to Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze. The choices he and his stellar team made from production design to special effects to soundtrack compliment a thrilling and beautiful story of hope and interconnectivity.
I was totally lifted to a new place watching Kensho. The film gets my highest recommendation.
The film explores themes of fulfillment, life-purpose, social conscience, sex, death, and consciousness expansion all in the context of the cultural phenomenon that is New York City.
The acting is also superb. Raider and Ronayne lead a cast of accomplished, theatre-trained actors that disappear into characters that are both relatable and fascinating to watch. The cinematography is gorgeous and highlights Manhattan in a mesmerizing, Koyaanisqatsi-like way.
As writer/director, Raider is a nuanced and visionary film artist who conjures comparison to Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze. The choices he and his stellar team made from production design to special effects to soundtrack compliment a thrilling and beautiful story of hope and interconnectivity.
I was totally lifted to a new place watching Kensho. The film gets my highest recommendation.
A profoundly moving experience
samsmithers-403004 May 2020
I can honestly say Kensho affected me in ways that will resonate for a long time. What does the nature of the Universe have to do with our inner life? How can we rise beyond loss to fulfill our life purpose? I've been wrestling with these ideas for years and have found that the best kinds of art examine the human condition in ways that are unique and profound and completely catch us off guard. Raider's film and his exceptional performance does that beautifully and has inspired me to see my place in the world as truly vital again.
A spiritual transformation
directortim201225 May 2020
This is a terrific movie with a classic Dickens esque transformation at it's core. I guess it's easy for some to be cynical about transformations like that. But I've seen them happen in life. And I was truly moved by it. The story is told with some impressive visuals that really pulled me into the movie. It's an indie but one that's really well done. A very engaging film.
Smart, original and thought-provoking
JCanni6823 May 2020
I was both moved and entertained by this film's existential exploration, one man's search for purpose after the death of a loved one. Writer/director Brad Raider impresses in both crafts, delivering a smart, compelling, relatable story and bringing to life a charming, clever protagonist earning our empathy and endearment. The characters around him are interesting, and the dialogue he has with them is clever and witty. But the real strength of the film is in it's ability to ask the tough life questions and offer hope, meaning and redemption.
Just watch it and you will see !
feinfam9 July 2020
This film immediately earned a place in my top favorite films I have ever seen. It has everything and more. Fantastic storyline, great characters played by superb actors, amazing visual elements, great musical score etc. This movie can literally change your life! You will laugh out loud and you will cry at the touching emotional scenes. Brad Raider has created a wonderful film you will want to watch again and again for its perfectly simple wisdom and sacred bow to the human spirit.
Can This Film Change My World?
fashionstar5109 September 2016
I had the opportunity to see the premiere of this film a year ago in New York City. It is a film I have to see again. Why? It is so that I may most fully glean its lessons and absorb its extraordinary vision.
A plot line and synopsis can be found above. Therefore, I would like to focus upon reviewing the feature directly without revealing too much so as to allow other viewers to experience the story unaffected by me.
"Kensho at the Bedfellow" is a labor of love by actor, director, and writer Brad Raider. Any time that occurs in art, the piece instantly bounds to the top of the field. While the film is a low budget venture, it never suffers from, but is rather enhanced by the extra effort that had to be put in behind-the-scenes to craft such a masterful work.
The term "kensho" means seeing one's true nature. With the word being a central focus of the title, and resultantly, is the film able to live up to that lofty goal?
The answer is yes and no. It depends on perspective. I found the film to be one of the most highly inspirational pieces I have seen, but I also was at a point in my life last year in which I was not fully awakened to inspiration. As such, I walked away from this film perhaps not wholly aware of all that it offers. It mystifies, perplexes, and offers hues of both comedy and drama that somehow blend together to create a poignant guide to help others explore their own meaning as well. The only way in which this film--as with anything in life--can "change my world" (borrowing from the film's tagline) is by having an open heart entering, by seeking meaning, and by taking action myself. This film does not promise to hold every answer for everyone's essence, but if entering with an open heart, I strongly believe that it is one of the best films to affect personal transformation. Best of all, the film sparks post- viewing discussion with others, which in and of itself is a crucial aspect of transformation.
As for the technical aspects of the film, the actors chosen all live in the parts. Raider is an exceptional lead because he truly inhabits Dan's struggles and vices: his quest between living as he is, unsatisfied, or taking upon the challenge to better himself. Nothing can change his world other than him. Meanwhile, Raider's supporting cast features a goldmine of talent from other acting ventures. This includes Mara Davi (she most recently starred in "Dames at Sea" on Broadway and had a scene-stealing role as Daisy in NBC's "Smash"), who brings in comic flirtation and Kathryn Erbe (from television's Law & Order: Criminal Intent), who conversely delivers tension and drama.
At times, the writing can come across as a play rather than a screenplay, which renders the film different and atypical. This is not to say it is detrimental, simply that the dialogue can be quirky, unique, and unexpected. Furthermore, in looking at screen writing, a project's realism, and how relatable the characters are, is crucial to me. There are moments within the film that veer into surrealism, but I can definitively say that Raider's writing helped me relate.
Finally, the direction and the visuals of "Kensho"--only enhanced when considering the project's budget--are bold, powerful, and fresh. Without spoiling anything, there is a particular sequence within the film that I have never seen before. It is revelatory. (You'll see.) Furthermore, the unique angles, colors, and close-ups on actors all create for a sensory overload of sorts. There is so much offered that it is difficult to process.
This is why I need to watch the movie again. I am all for something different. From the trailer alone, one can see that "Kensho" is different from the outset. Brad Raider is generous with "Kensho at the Bedfellow." In order to gain the most from all that he, his cast, and crew offers, viewers must be open for the journey themselves.
A plot line and synopsis can be found above. Therefore, I would like to focus upon reviewing the feature directly without revealing too much so as to allow other viewers to experience the story unaffected by me.
"Kensho at the Bedfellow" is a labor of love by actor, director, and writer Brad Raider. Any time that occurs in art, the piece instantly bounds to the top of the field. While the film is a low budget venture, it never suffers from, but is rather enhanced by the extra effort that had to be put in behind-the-scenes to craft such a masterful work.
The term "kensho" means seeing one's true nature. With the word being a central focus of the title, and resultantly, is the film able to live up to that lofty goal?
The answer is yes and no. It depends on perspective. I found the film to be one of the most highly inspirational pieces I have seen, but I also was at a point in my life last year in which I was not fully awakened to inspiration. As such, I walked away from this film perhaps not wholly aware of all that it offers. It mystifies, perplexes, and offers hues of both comedy and drama that somehow blend together to create a poignant guide to help others explore their own meaning as well. The only way in which this film--as with anything in life--can "change my world" (borrowing from the film's tagline) is by having an open heart entering, by seeking meaning, and by taking action myself. This film does not promise to hold every answer for everyone's essence, but if entering with an open heart, I strongly believe that it is one of the best films to affect personal transformation. Best of all, the film sparks post- viewing discussion with others, which in and of itself is a crucial aspect of transformation.
As for the technical aspects of the film, the actors chosen all live in the parts. Raider is an exceptional lead because he truly inhabits Dan's struggles and vices: his quest between living as he is, unsatisfied, or taking upon the challenge to better himself. Nothing can change his world other than him. Meanwhile, Raider's supporting cast features a goldmine of talent from other acting ventures. This includes Mara Davi (she most recently starred in "Dames at Sea" on Broadway and had a scene-stealing role as Daisy in NBC's "Smash"), who brings in comic flirtation and Kathryn Erbe (from television's Law & Order: Criminal Intent), who conversely delivers tension and drama.
At times, the writing can come across as a play rather than a screenplay, which renders the film different and atypical. This is not to say it is detrimental, simply that the dialogue can be quirky, unique, and unexpected. Furthermore, in looking at screen writing, a project's realism, and how relatable the characters are, is crucial to me. There are moments within the film that veer into surrealism, but I can definitively say that Raider's writing helped me relate.
Finally, the direction and the visuals of "Kensho"--only enhanced when considering the project's budget--are bold, powerful, and fresh. Without spoiling anything, there is a particular sequence within the film that I have never seen before. It is revelatory. (You'll see.) Furthermore, the unique angles, colors, and close-ups on actors all create for a sensory overload of sorts. There is so much offered that it is difficult to process.
This is why I need to watch the movie again. I am all for something different. From the trailer alone, one can see that "Kensho" is different from the outset. Brad Raider is generous with "Kensho at the Bedfellow." In order to gain the most from all that he, his cast, and crew offers, viewers must be open for the journey themselves.
Sexy, Wildness, that boils on down to some Life wake the F*#$! Up stuff.
kennyhughes8 June 2020
This is one of those gems you find while rooting around in Indie land. It's fast, sexy, fun, smart, and our hero has got the life scar...and its dragging him down and he's bringing all his people with him...and then...splat! Straight into some serious levels of crazy. I don't want to ruin it for you but suffice it to say...damn good, refreshing, and fun. You get all the moving stuff and life lessons and love...love people...love is good if you don't ruin it with...
Weird fun
Graham-joey27 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
An indie movie for sure, but it gets more creative than most. It starts off with a giant stuffed monster cat talking to a guy so you kind of know if this is gonna be something you dig or not from the beginning. If you like a late-coming-to-maturity story, you won't find a better one on the micro indie world atm. Makes sense as to why it racked up some awards. Great stuff.
Might have to watch again.
Might have to watch again.
Deep, Beautiful and Gripping
derrickfury-876-12735831 May 2020
You always here people talking about a "gripping" story, so much so the phrase has lost a lot of its meaning. But in the case of Kensho at the Bedfellow I think it applys perfectly. If your like me and your a sucker for a good "coming to terms" movie, this one won't let you down. Plus it's beautifuly shot, acted and directed as well. Definitely worth checking out.
Indie Filmmaking at its best!
hooliganse1910 July 2020
Spontaneous awakening on film
idarbo16 November 2020
Kensho at the Bedfellow is a prototype of a personal drama, nothing like any other. It is introspective and emotional, sensual and philosophical. Yet it never feels preachy or abstract as we're grounded in the reality of New York city maelstrom vibe as well as in the mental journey of the main character Dan. Brad Raider who plays the lead man and direct at the same time is extremely charismatic with a unique blend of electric presence and too cool for school nonchalance. His co-star Kayle Ronayne is a total sweetheart and her character brings a welcome elevation early on in the movie. She is the mind opening to the world and the wider struggles of humanity, helping the hero to relate his mental state to the rest of mankind. Aaron Gilhuis wrote an intense score that sucks you down the rabbit hole with Dan and his struggles with sexuality, the NYC night underworld and his own chakras. Very clean and subtle photography by David Rodriguez. From the very granular and personal to the deep and universal, Kensho at the Bedfellow is a revelation that will challenge, surprise and touch.
Awakening the first step to enlightenment
mahayanafilms31 May 2020
An amazing piece of film making and approach to story telling. Loved the way the writer used the characters to attempt to awaken peoples sensibility . I really liked the performances of the male and female leads. It is uniquely visual and very creative. Kudos to writer and director. A thumbs up from me and definitely worth a watch
Eccentric. Funny and Well Made
tkonkle2 February 2021
I was very pleasantly surprised by how well the film was shot. But most of all I was really happy to be pulled into the wonderful, stylized performance by Brad Raider. He was at times flippant like a live action Archer from the comedy series and at other times charming and sincere. Raider's screen presence was unique and really holds the film together. Part Kafka and part Pinter and part Bunuel the script moves well and it's beautifully directed and filmed but it's Raider I find so interesting to watch. Genuine unique energy and look and presence. The film dialogue is surreal at times but completely correct in context of the reality and sincere look it's taking into the life of Raider's charming but disaffected doorman. Overall, it's a well acted, well made film that is the reason independent film is important and Raider is a great unique voice.
It's very professional and well worth a look now.
It's very professional and well worth a look now.
A very intriguing and entertaining film about loss, life and love.
evelyne-828 May 2020
Kensho at the Bedfellow is a very intriguing film about a man trying to block the pain he is feeling. Brad Raider does a superb job masking the pain he is feeling to cover his sister's death fulling his nights with frivolous affairs. He deals with one haunting after another in order to face his past. Beautifully acted and shot. A really good director, I so look forward to seeing what he does next. A film you'll be happy you watched, it stayed with me on so many levels as it deals with love, loss, and longing to know your true self.
A Lynchian, Psychedelic Masterpiece
cpenn-054796 July 2022
Brad Raider makes bold choices and takes big risks as an actor, writer, director and it pays off as the final product is very impressive and unlike any other directorial debut I've seen. Kensho tells the story of a womanizing, alcoholic doorman, on a self-destructive tear, trying to deal with a tragic loss and struggling to find himself. The film's simultaneous descent into New York City's night life and underworld is intriguing and makes this the kind of film where you can't look away as we're so drawn to the protagonist and the sometimes terrible, other times hilarious, and ultimately fascinating choices he makes. The supporting cast makes this piece even stronger. This film is truly an undiscovered gem.
Check this one out
eiji_8527 January 2022
Unlike a lot of slow burn indie films, this one starts with the main character talking to a giant cat puppet, so it's safe to say you won't be bored. Packed with fun visuals (including a stunning animation portion), Kensho defies convention without sacrificing its emotional storyline. The cinematography, performances, and overall production value are impressive. Well worth checking out!
Brave and Timely Filmmaking
jab-1584610 June 2022
Kensho's a remarkably unique film with a strong emotional core about finding purpose, hope, and spiritual freedom at a time when many of us in our 20's and 30's feel increasingly lost in today's world.
Raider's passion and vision as a filmmaker is potent - from the Wilder-esque banter to the analog and visceral production design to the incredibly evocative soundtrack, the film seamlessly blends together fantastical elements with emotionally resonant themes and characters. Wonderful performances from Twin Peaks' Dana Ashbrook and The Resident's Kaley Ronayne compliment Raider's exceptional turn as Dan.
The film left me feeling empowered with a narrative that's as profound (and often funny) as it is timely. Highly recommended and an impressive debut from a promising indie filmmaker.
Raider's passion and vision as a filmmaker is potent - from the Wilder-esque banter to the analog and visceral production design to the incredibly evocative soundtrack, the film seamlessly blends together fantastical elements with emotionally resonant themes and characters. Wonderful performances from Twin Peaks' Dana Ashbrook and The Resident's Kaley Ronayne compliment Raider's exceptional turn as Dan.
The film left me feeling empowered with a narrative that's as profound (and often funny) as it is timely. Highly recommended and an impressive debut from a promising indie filmmaker.
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