Is ManMade Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 2023 release of ManMade stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Funerals can be true male environments where men want to cry but refuse to while their past rides up to hit them. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Funerals can be true male environments where men want to cry but refuse to while their past rides up to hit them. Eddie Holgate is caught in this exact situation. His father has built him up all his life to be tough in an attempt to trickle down his masculinity. But as a tumultuous and charged service at his team's football pitch sparks unwanted memories, Eddie is forced to examine the man he idolized his father to be against the husband and caregiver he very much was not. With the help of his older brother, Joe, Eddie manages to unpick years of emotional neglect and abuse, and finally, allows himself to cry."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Cavan Clerkin, the performance in ManMade feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Plum Stupple-Harris is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 15 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is ManMade truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, ManMade explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2023 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Plum Stupple-Harris respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, ManMade is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Cavan Clerkin or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, ManMade is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.