Film Review: Robot and Frank

Clever, funny and moving tale of an old man and his robot.

Retired jewel thief Frank, who refuses to accept his memory trouble, is given a robot care assistant by his son. Frank soon realises he can exploit the robots programming, and the unlikely pair soon try their luck with a multi-million dollar heist.

Set in the near future, Robot and Frank explores the difficulties of old age dementia in a unique and touching way, revolving around Frank’s relationship with his unnamed companion. He resents the robot at first, believing he is capable of looking after himself, but a strange kind of friendship slowly develops, pushed forward more so when Frank discovers the robot’s programming means he will put his new owners well being above even the law. The relationship is both comical and moving as Frank begins to accept the robot as friend despite its inability to display any real emotion or feeling, while the onset of dementia pushes him further away from those closest to him. 

The casting is near perfection, Peter Sarsgaard’s comforting, yet monotonous voice proving a wonderful contrast to the low rasps of Frank Langella. Chemistry between the supporting characters is consistently believable and often very powerful. Susan Sarandon is wonderful as an old fashioned librarian, working in a library which has become something of a hipster relic in a time where technology has moved beyond printed information, the underlying romantic tension between herself and Frank makes for one of the most interesting love stories to be commited to film in recent years.

The beauty behind Robot and Frank is that it tackles the difficult subject old age dementia, and evokes strong emotions from the audience without ever being too heavy. There are many moments throughout the film which genuinely tug at the heartstrings; notably Frank’s refusal to accept that the robot has no feeling as he becomes more attached and the films climax manages to leave barley a dry eye in the house without being melodramatic. This is offset throughout the film with subtle humour in Frank’s incredibly cynical, often sly yet lovable nature bringing a perfect balance to what could have been a very sombre tale.

A real gem of independent cinema, which puts you through all the emotions some of Hollywood’s film makers could only dream of. A sharp script, wonderful cast and plenty of charm make Robot and Frank a must see.