Buffering (2011)

Directed by: Darren Flaxstone, Christian Martin | 81 minutes | comedy | Actors: Alex Anthony, Conner Mckenzy, Jessica Matthews, Oliver Park, Bernie Hodges, Ryan Spong

Like Zack and Miri in Kevin Smith’s film, Aaron and Seb, forced by the effects of the financial crisis, also decide to ‘make porn’. Although… Seb initially doesn’t know anything about it, but when he notices that they are readily being paid for the few videos his friend Aaron has put online, he gives in – still hesitantly. The British film ‘Buffering’ by director Darren Flaxstone (‘Release’, 2010) and Christian Martin is an entertaining comedy about two lovers who want nothing more than to get out of debt and see no other way out than their lovemaking public and for money. to make.

The film’s budget didn’t leave much to be desired, but the makers have managed to avoid an overly cheap look. Much of ‘Buffering’ takes place within the four walls of the couple’s bedroom, but we also see quite a bit of Bristol, where Aaron and Seb hope to spend their future together. The story is quite straightforward and predictable and some of the jokes are cringe-inducing (the pling that sounds when the sex shop owner winks, for example is very tacky). But thanks to the enthusiastic and convincing cast, you still feel for the two protagonists and hope that they will overcome the financial and – later the inevitable – relationship problems.

Seb and Aaron are very touching together, a little naive and immature perhaps, but their love for each other is as clear as a rock. The addition later in the story of ex-roommate Jem, who after an adventure in Bangkok is back in boring England, provides some extra dynamics. Jem, with a perpetual wool cap on her head, is a special case: Aaron describes her as a she who feels like a he who likes other hes. But thanks to her entrepreneurial spirit and inventive mind, the initial success of the online business is a success.

The two men are portrayed realistically: especially in the beginning it remains good in the bedroom. It’s only when they carry out Jem’s eccentric ideas that their sexual acts earn the label kinky. In terms of background, only Seb shows something of a trauma in his early years, which may explain his reluctance. This could have been worked out a little more strongly.

The dazzling finale to which we are working has a nice surprise in store. No one will doubt that the two will get their credit back, but the new direction in Seb’s career is genuinely hilarious.

All in all ‘Buffering’ is not a film that you have to pay too much money for, but some satisfaction can certainly be obtained from it for the target group.