8 Minutes Idle (2012): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2012, 8 Minutes Idle is a comedy film directed by Mark Simon Hewis, running about 86 minutes. “You can't put life on hold” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Based upon Matt Thorne's award-winning novel about life in a call centre, "Eight Minutes Idle" is a warped urban comedy about what it really means to put your life 'on hold'! Dan Thomas has always taken the path of least resistance - in his work life, home life and love life! But when Dan finds himself kicked out of the family home, he's faced with no option but to secretly move into the call centre where he works. Suddenly, everything that he's previously taken for granted - a well-stocked fridge, clean clothes, his friends, his self respect, even his beloved cat - are either disappearing or conspiring against him. As Dan's work/life balance spirals dangerously out of control, he's forced to break out of old habits and to dare to do something he has never had to do before - really care about someone other than himself. Written by Sarah Cox

Who’s in it. 8 Minutes Idle stars Tom Hughes as Dan, Ophelia Lovibond as Teri, Montserrat Lombard as Alice and Antonia Thomas as Adrienne, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, 8 Minutes Idle has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch 8 Minutes Idle page.

If you liked it. Fans of 8 Minutes Idle tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.