Review of What Richard Did (2012) by Andy P — 06 Aug 2014

Athletic, golden boy Richard has such a fortunate life you'd think the world revolved around him. As the head of his social circle of friends in Dublin, Richard lives it up and parties without a single care in the world .

.. and as he is young and finishing up his primary studies he doesn't have too much to worry about until college life begins later in the year. When Richard (Jack Reynor - Transformers Age of Extinction) finds himself attracted to the new girlfriend of one of his rugby teammates, he cannot stop himself from flirting with her and letting her know she should be his girlfriend instead.

She begins to return the attention but remains torn between both Richard and her boyfriend. Richard's jealousy gets the best of him as he isn't used to be turned down or not getting his way, and one evening at a party him and few other friends act rather unwisely and impulsively which puts them and their futures in serious jeopardy.

An examination of privilege and responsibility, What Richard Did feels much longer than its hour and a half runtime as the characters onscreen aren't overly likeable and there are long passages in the film in which little happens other than showing Richard (possibly) thinking.

The film leaves one feeling uncertain which is most likely the point but it makes it a difficult one to recommend.