Knight of Cups

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Knight of Cups

R

2016

1h 58m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

47%

Tomatometer

184 Reviews

38%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

A Los Angeles screenwriter (Christian Bale) indulges his wild side with a stripper (Teresa Palmer), a model (Freida Pinto) and a married woman (Natalie Portman).

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Critics Consensus

Knight of Cups finds Terrence Malick delving deeper into the painterly visual milieu he's explored in recent efforts, but even hardcore fans may struggle with the diminishing narrative returns.

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Adam Nayman

Cinema Scope

On a single, devotedly attentive viewing, I couldn't grok the logic of these headings beyond the lamely prosaic.

Sep 28, 2017

Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

I just need a break from Malick.

Rated: D

Mar 21, 2017

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

A superlative triumph that transcends any rational critical analysis I could ever have hoped to throw its way.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 15, 2016

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JD Duran

InSession Film

Malick’s simplicity actually works in his benefit (at least for the most part) when it comes to those ideas and Lubeski’s beautiful imagery helps resonate the heart of those ideas.

Rated: B

Aug 1, 2024

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Vadim Rizov

Filmmaker Magazine

Movies with far worse intentions have been made. And yet.

Jan 18, 2023

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Whether the spiritual journey belongs to Rick, the film's director, or its audience, Knight of Cups transfixes the viewer in beautiful images and a spare, deeply felt narrative simplicity.

Rated: 4/4

Apr 11, 2022

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Scott E

It created a strong feeling.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/19/25

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Natalie P

Horrible! No plot to be found. A waste of film, $$ and people’s time! Life is too short to spend any fraction of it watching this meaningless piece of crap!! Burn this poor excuse of a film!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

10/12/25

Full Review

Dena J

It is like a perfume ad that goes on and on. I was drawn in by the dream like beautiful people and backdrops. Visually it is a feast but there isn't much story or dialog so leaves you empty. Christian Bale's character smiles smugly throughout the entire movie and it gets annoying.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

10/11/25

Full Review

thiago s

Filme mais ou menos, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são mais ou menos, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

09/02/25

Full Review

Zeno P.

Malick is different than most directors. I love his style of evoking emotion without plot being the central means. It's artsy and risky, but the hazy L.A. backdrop and Bale's mysterious attractiveness make it so enticing. The first time I watched it, I was disappointed. I didn't understand it. But upon reflection and a rewatch, I can say it's one of my favorite movies. If I were to create a film, it would be similar. I love the camera angles, dynamic between Bale and the women he meets, and most importantly how introspective it is. Knight of Cups is a modern classic, and people who disregard it as a waste of time and talent due to the plot being a facilitator not the headline need to become more film literate.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/29/25

Full Review

Henry D

Less a story and more an immersive experience in mood and poetry. I can see why it divides people. I loved the images and felt transported by it. Watch it again.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/07/25

Full Review

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Terrence Malick

Director

Christian Bale

Rick

Cate Blanchett

Nancy

Natalie Portman

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Synopsis

A Los Angeles screenwriter (Christian Bale) indulges his wild side with a stripper (Teresa Palmer), a model (Freida Pinto) and a married woman (Natalie Portman).

Director: Terrence Malick
Producer: Nicolas Gonda, Sarah Green, Ken Kao
Screenwriter: Terrence Malick
Distributor: Broad Green Pictures
Production Co: Waypoint Entertainment
Rating: R (Sexuality|Language|Some Nudity)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 4, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 14, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $558.4K
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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