Watch Eight Minutes Idle

Eight Minutes Idle is a quirky British comedy-drama released in 2012. The story follows Dan Thomas, a disaffected and directionless young man, as he drifts through life working a dead-end job at a call center in Bristol. Dan's existence is characterized by his droll wit and his love of alcohol, as he parties with his co-workers and contemplates his lack of ambition.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Matt Thorne and is directed by Mark Simon Hewis, who captures the drab, fluorescent-lit atmosphere of the call center world with a dry and observant eye. The film's protagonist, Dan, is played with sardonic charm by Tom Hughes, who brings a sympathetic quality to the character despite his many faults.

As the film begins, Dan's life is a series of drunken flings and half-hearted attempts at romance, as he attempts to fill his time outside of work with a social life that is increasingly unsatisfying. However, things begin to change for Dan when he falls for Alice, a new employee at the call center played by Ophelia Lovibond. Alice is quirky, intelligent, and unlike anyone Dan has ever met before, and he begins to realize that there might be more to life than just wasting away in his uninspiring job.

Meanwhile, Dan's boss, the flamboyant Alex, played by the inimitable Paul Kaye, is navigating his own complex personal life, which includes a mentally unstable girlfriend and a need to impress his demanding father. Alex is also in charge of the call center's recruitment, and the two stories intersect as Dan and Alice become involved in a scheme to cheat the recruitment system.

The film's central conflict comes from Dan's struggle to balance his newfound romance with Alice with the pressures of work, family, and his own sense of self-worth. As the story unfolds, we see Dan grappling with his own demons and trying to find his place in the world, with Alice as his unwitting guide.

The film is notable for its offbeat humor and refusal to take itself too seriously, even as it touches on themes of identity, class, and love. The dialogue is sharp and witty, with a distinctly British sensibility that will appeal to fans of shows like The Office and Peep Show.

Overall, Eight Minutes Idle is a refreshingly honest and relatable portrayal of life as a young adult in modern Britain. It offers a sharp commentary on the challenges facing a generation that is often portrayed as directionless and apathetic, and does so with warmth, humor, and a great deal of heart. Whether you're a fan of comedy, drama, or just good storytelling, this film is definitely worth a watch.

Eight Minutes Idle is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.