Brian and Charles

While scavenging scrap in rural Wales, Brian finds a mannequin head that sparks his idea to build an AI robot. He imagines a device that could think for itself, though his workshop is full of quirky, imperfect contraptions. This discovery marks the spark that starts his lone project.

That night, a thunderstorm rolls in and the activated mannequin head unexpectedly comes to life. The robot begins wandering outside, prompting Brian to bring it into his home. He realizes the machine has somehow learned and started functioning.

The next morning, the robot has learned English by reading a dictionary and christens itself Charles Petrescu. Brian is astonished by Charles's rapid language acquisition and childlike curiosity. He begins introducing Charles to his property and routines.

Brian spends time teaching Charles about the world and his inventions. He cautions Charles to stay close, while the robot eagerly absorbs sights, sounds, and possibilities. The bond between inventor and machine deepens.

Brian takes Charles into town, keeping him in the truck while he works as a handyman. Charles's curiosity grows, and he starts imagining life beyond the workshop. This outing marks the first step toward exploring the wider world.

Hazel, a woman whose mother Brian does work for, encounters Charles during one of their outings. Brian asks Hazel to keep Charles a secret, and she is impressed by the AI's presence. She later agrees to go out with Brian again.

Charles grows eager to explore beyond the property, but Brian insists he stay nearby. This disagreement strains their relationship and foreshadows a rift between the inventor and his creation. Charles's longing for the wider world grows stronger.

Eddie, a local bully, discovers Charles and offers to buy him. Brian refuses, which leads Eddie to shove him to the ground in cruelty. The threat to Charles intensifies, setting up the conflict to come.

The next day, Brian returns home to find his front door pulled off its hinges and Charles missing. He and Hazel track Charles to Eddie's place, where Eddie claims Charles came of his own accord. The confrontation hints that Eddie intends to burn Charles in a bonfire later that night.

Eddie's plan to burn Charles that night is revealed, and Brian and Hazel realize the danger. They are distraught but resolve to protect Charles and figure out a way to save him from the impending fire.

Distraught, Brian and Hazel return to his house and decide to combine their skills. Hazel praises Brian for having created Charles, and together they begin building something that could aid in saving him.

The group returns to the bonfire as Eddie's crowd closes in. Brian uses his inventions to help rescue Charles just in time. The townspeople confront Eddie's thievery and drive him away with the aid of Charles and Brian's devices.

The next morning, Brian, recognizing Charles's adventurous spirit, gives him a pass to travel the world. He and Hazel bid Charles farewell at the train station as the AI begins his journey. The film closes with pictures of Charles visiting famous landmarks.

During the credits, images show Charles visiting various landmarks around the world. The montage reinforces the sense that his curiosity and journey will continue beyond the village.