A short film that explores the story of Josh, a young artist who is the victim of domestic abuse from his girlfriend. When he is about to take his life, a passerby, Nick, steps in.
Luke McArthur played the role of Josh, the young artist who tries to take his life at the start of the film, only to be talked down by a passerby, Nick, played by the phenomenal Alec Hopkins. Luke brought emotion and depth to his role as Josh, and Alec brought something new and fresh to the character, making everyone feel at ease on set. Molly Mullins, who played Isabel, gave a chilling and realistic portrayal of the abuser. The film also starred Johnathon Farrell as Reg. It was a privilege as a director to bring this film to life, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
– Benjamin Timothy Gobey (May, 2025)
The film premiered at the Cheltenham International Film Festival, where it was widely praised for its poignant and powerful exploration of suicide, mental health, and domestic abuse against men.
Director, producer, and writer Benjamin Timothy Gobey was interviewed at the festival by Leslie Sheldon, founder and director of CIFF, in a conversation that highlighted the film’s emotional impact and its relevance to urgent societal issues.
A private screening of the film was held at the Karma Sanctum Hotel in Soho, London on April 3rd, 2025. The event featured a powerful post-screening panel with Benjamin Timothy Gobey, Mark Brooks from the ManKind Initiative, and host Ron Fogelman. They discussed the societal and emotional challenges faced by male survivors of abuse, as well as the contributing factors and logistical realities behind male suicide in the UK. The evening provided an important platform to raise awareness and engage in meaningful discussions on these critical issues.
Director / Producer / Writer: Benjamin Timothy Gobey
Assistant Director: Mark Kempner
Cinematographer / Editor: Benjamin Collins
Photographer: Leszek Ciesiolka
Script Editor: Helen Baker
Duration: 20 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 4K
Colour: Colour & Black and White
Filming Locations
Imperial Gardens
Imperial Coffee
The Nook on Five
Brasserie Blanc, Cheltenham
Montpellier Villas
Special Thanks
Ed Surman, The Nook on Five, Emily Widdowson, Imperial Coffee, Brasserie Blanc, Out Serviced Ltd.
imdb.com/title/tt30875213