This is a strange film, and not to be confused (as in Mac OS X) with Ben Ten, the kids’ animated TV series. Allegedly based on a true story it is about an autistic teenager, portrayed with brilliant intensity by Greg Timmermans, who is continuously bullied at school. Beyond obsessive-compulsive routines of his condition that barely get him through the day, he is an expert at an online RPG game, Archlord. In this virtual world he is the master and respected, and has developed relationship with a female character. As Ben’s two worlds collide he plans a way to escape the horror of the real world, until he meets his online girlfriend in real life. Apart from following Ben’s story the movie is interspersed with glimpses into Ben’s online world and to-camera comments from his teachers, classmates and friends that set up the final act.
This is not a movie about the dangers of obsessive computer game usage, if anything it is about the problems of being different as a teenager in an intolerant school setting. In the context of this film game playing is actually a positive thing in helping the protagonist’s social skills, even if his peers won’t accept him.
This is a strong first feature from Belgian writer-director Nic Balthazar that crosses genres by giving a strong human drama a dark fantasy edge.
BEN X is in cinemas from August 29
Visit the website and find your way into the world of Archlord.