Building Permit
Building Permit

Movie spotlight

Building Permit

2019
Movie
23 min
French

Build. Rebuild. Grieve. Buy a green plant.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users75%
Director: Ben ThorneGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A single father attempts to navigate the complex and often absurd world of local bureaucracy when he tries to obtain a permit to build a small backyard shed. What starts as a simple task quickly escalates into a series of comical encounters with eccentric town officials and unexpected regulations. He must battle red tape, peculiar bylaws, and his own mounting frustration to achieve his seemingly minor construction goal.

Critical Reception

Building Permit was met with a mixed but generally positive reception. Critics praised its unique premise and the lead actor's comedic timing, finding humor in the mundane. Some reviewers felt the film's pacing lagged in the second act, and a few noted that the social commentary on bureaucracy could have been sharper.

What Reviewers Say

  • A surprisingly funny exploration of everyday frustrations.

  • Offers a clever, character-driven comedy with relatable situations.

  • While sometimes slow, it ultimately succeeds on the strength of its humor and performances.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's humor and the relatable struggle against bureaucratic hurdles. Many found the main character's journey amusing and the overall tone lighthearted. Some viewers wished for a more developed plot or a quicker resolution.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Independent Comedy at the 2019 Indie Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The town hall scenes were filmed at an actual, disused municipal building, adding to the authentic, albeit slightly dilapidated, atmosphere.

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