The Benefactor (2016) - StreamingGuide.ca
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The Benefactor (2016)

A wealthy philanthropist, Franny (played by Richard Gere), haunted by his past involvement in a tragic accident that claimed the lives of his best friends, attempts to alleviate his guilt through excessive involvement in the life of their daughter, Olivia (Dakota Fanning), and her new husband, Luke (Theo James). His initially benevolent intentions soon reveal a darker, more controlling side, leading to a strained and dangerous dynamic among them.

Length: 1h 32m
Genre: Drama, Thriller
This Title is: Intense and thought-provoking

Cast

Richard Gere, Dakota Fanning, Theo James, Dylan Baker

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: PG-13 – Contains themes of guilt, obsession, and manipulation

Trivia

  • The film was originally titled “Franny” before being released as “The Benefactor”.
  • It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 17, 2015, before its official release.
  • The director, Andrew Renzi, developed the script at the Sundance Screenwriters Lab in 2013.

Trailer

Our Review

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The Benefactor presents a gripping yet disturbing narrative centered around themes of guilt and redemption. Despite strong performances, particularly by Richard Gere, the film struggles to deliver a coherent message, often feeling unfocused and slow. However, its exploration of complex emotions and moral dilemmas provides a deep if not entirely satisfying viewing experience.

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