Gregor film review – as the director says, ‘basically nothing happens’

A plot-free ramble through a slacker’s life

Gregor (Ollie Marsden) is an Apple fanboy whose ambition appears to be to watch all of Steve Jobs’ keynote speeches in order. After losing his job at the start of the film he has the time to really get into this hobby and Steve Jobs’ voice can often be heard in the background. Marsden plays Gregor in a relaxed manner that can make the simple line I really wish we had some milk amusing.

The film is filled with characters who aren’t cheerleaders for the success of modern life. Matt King plays an entertaining older version of Peep Show’s Super Hans. Drug addled and forgetful Terry is full of odd anecdotes about his celebrity exploits. Ruby Thomas weighs in as Amber, a rich girl confused about her wealth and projecting guilt onto her relationships. Their experiences of alienation and uncertainty show a society where family is absent, social mobility is stuck and life aims involve little more than finding a ‘very fit girlfriend and £70K a year’.

Gregor is an engaging study of a life lived with shallow aims that haven’t been reached. It bodes well for those involved and though lightweight has one definite piece of advice. Don’t forget your boss is monitoring your emails.