1234 (2008)
A scrappy British indie comedy about four misfit musicians daring to dream of indie stardom, one chord at a time.
1234 - Movie Information
1234 - Plot
Ian Bonar is Stevie, a wannabe musician whose look is a hybrid of Jarvis Cocker and early Elvis Costello. Working with his drummer pal Neil (Matthew Baynton) in a call centre, they dream of breaking into the indie music scene. To do this they require additional band members. Step forward the driven (and drinking) guitarist Billy (Kieran Bew) and slightly scatty bassist Emily (Lyndsey Marshal), who has a sideline in making sculpture from hair.
1234 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the band come together:
step one - learn three chords, step two - form a band.
Where to Watch 1234
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1234 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Giles Borg
Main Cast
- Ian Bonar
- Lyndsey Marshal
- Kieran Bew
- Brendan Hughes
- Mathew Baynton
- Giles Maythan
- Luke Rutherford
- Matthew Sim
- Ben Stratford
- Jennifer Aries
Writers
- Giles Borg
Producers
- Simon Kearney
1234 - FAQs
What is 1234 about?
1234 follows Stevie, a call-centre worker with dreams of indie music stardom. Together with his drummer pal Neil, he recruits a hard-drinking guitarist named Billy and the wonderfully quirky bassist Emily to form a band. It's a warm, funny look at ambition, friendship, and the chaos of chasing a musical dream.
Who are the main actors in 1234?
The film stars Ian Bonar as the aspiring musician Stevie, Lyndsey Marshal as the eccentric bassist Emily, Kieran Bew as guitarist Billy Nixon, and Mathew Baynton as Stevie's loyal drummer friend Neil. Together they make for a charming and entertaining ensemble at the heart of the story.
Who directed 1234?
1234 was directed by Giles Borg, who also wrote the screenplay. It's a British indie production that showcases Borg's affection for music, character-driven comedy, and the scrappy, hopeful world of aspiring musicians trying to make their mark.
What genre is the film 1234?
1234 blends Comedy, Music, Romance, and Drama into a distinctly British indie package. It has the feel-good energy of a music comedy, the heart of a character drama, and a romantic thread woven through the story of four friends trying to form a band and find their sound.
How long is the movie 1234?
1234 runs for 82 minutes, making it a lean, breezy watch. It doesn't overstay its welcome — the tight runtime keeps the energy up and the story moving at a lively pace, which suits the film's upbeat, comedic spirit perfectly.
Is 1234 inspired by real musicians or events?
While 1234 is not based on a specific true story, it draws clear inspiration from the British indie music world. The lead character Stevie is described as a hybrid of Jarvis Cocker and early Elvis Costello, grounding the film in a very real and recognisable musical culture and aesthetic.
What are some movies similar to 1234?
If you enjoy 1234, you might also like What's Love Got to Do with It? (2023), Purple Hearts (2022), Which Brings Me to You (2023), Holiday Harmony (2022), and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025). These films share a similar mix of romance, music, and warm-hearted comedy.
Where was 1234 produced?
1234 is a United Kingdom production, made by Carson Films and Lipsync Productions. It has an authentically British indie sensibility — from its setting and humour to its music scene backdrop — that feels very much rooted in the UK's vibrant independent film and music culture.
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