Knight of Cups

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Knight of Cups

R

Released Mar 4, 2016

1h 58m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

47%

Tomatometer

186 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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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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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

Luke H.

Great film that will only improve with every rewatch. Don’t expect to understand this film on your first watch, or even your tenth. I’ve seen it twice, and if you truly let this film in you will discover deep ideas that are hidden inside the beautiful visuals, incredible soundtrack, and great style. Malick is the greatest American filmmaker ever, it’s not even a question.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

Full Review

Trump S

Truly one of the best films of all time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

Full Review

Michael E

1 1/2 Stars simply because the cast and the cinematography were amazing. Other than that it was a complete WASTE OF TWO HOURS OF MY LIFE!!!!!!

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

04/28/25

Full Review

Sergio A

Trying to make a “contemplative” film doesn’t justify wasting so much talent. It’s astonishing how a great director and an incredible cast ended up delivering something so mediocre. Poor Emmanuel Lubezki , the cinematography is the only saving grace. And the plot? It goes like this: guy falls for a beautiful woman, takes her to the beach… then they break up. Repeat that five times, and that’s the movie. This could’ve been a 15-minute short, and even then it would’ve felt too long.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

04/24/25

Full Review

Audience Member

This is quite literally the worst movie I’ve ever seen. It really can’t even be called a movie. Completely pointless, no plot. You could not pay me to watch it again.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

Full Review

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Terrence Malick

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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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