Sometimes Always Never

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2:09

Sometimes Always Never

PG-13

Released Mar 6, 2020

1h 31m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

82%

Tomatometer

93 Reviews

63%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

A man searches relentlessly for the missing son he has not seen in years, turning his entire family's life upside-down.

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Critics Consensus

Like the grieving Scrabble enthusiast at the heart of its unique story, Sometimes Always Never scores high enough to be well worth a play.

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Shaena Montanari

Arizona Republic

On the surface, this strange film could leave you thinking that not much actually happened... but it's the idiosyncratic emotional journey, expertly portrayed by Nighy and the ensemble, rather than the destination that sticks with you.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 10, 2020

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

I ended up enjoying Sometimes Always Never a heck of a lot. It made me happy.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 29, 2020

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Joe Morgenstern

Wall Street Journal

What the film does sustain, and quite remarkably, considering its serious theme, is a delicately comic tone. That's due in large measure to the screenplay by Frank Cottrell Boyce.

Jun 18, 2020

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Cody Dericks

Next Best Picture

It doesn’t take any huge swings or break any molds, but that just further contributes to its feeling of comfort and coziness. It’s essentially the film equivalent of a favorite old sweater.

Rated: 6/10

Jul 5, 2022

Full Review

Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

A small film about big topics that balances an overarching feel of sorrow with heavy doses of whimsy. Eloquent both visually and emotionally, it speaks volumes about heartbreak even when the characters can't quite find the words to do so themselves.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jan 31, 2021

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Charles Koplinski

Reel Talk with Chuck and Pam

It's a film filled with laughter and, most importantly, love and forgiveness, as this father-son pair search for the meaning in their lives and begin to heal.

Rated: 2.5/4.0

Nov 27, 2020

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Chris L

Another one of those movies that seems to be going somewhere and then just doesn't have an ending, so it simply ends without any real one. It's much more disappointing to watch a movie that looked like it was going to be worth your while much of the way through, and then just not deliver when it came down to it. That said, the acting was first-rate and the characters were interesting. The performers just didn't go anywhere, or do anything. Unless you count playing a board game doing something.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/21/25

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Anand K

A quiet and beautiful film, sweetness and sadness blended perfectly. Immaculate performances from class actors.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/18/25

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Elysia L

One of the most boring things i have ever endured. So boring i was compelled to create this rt account

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/05/25

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Gerry M

NO, not ever NEVER, SOOOO boring - Never ever again.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/25/24

Full Review

J M

This is one of those British comedies populated with eccentric characters that feels so light and subtle that it threatens to blow away at the slightest breeze like the plastic bag in AMERICAN BEAUTY. I've seen souflees with more density. However, I am giving this a slight recommendation because, as a Words With Friends enthusiast, I couldn't help but be charmed at Scrabble being at the heart and soul of this movie. Words I learned about and use regularly during my challenges are highlighted here, which inevitably brought a smile to my face. I do wish there was a bit more energy and emotion here. Even during the moments in which the characters are mad at each other, it feels a bit too safe and tidy. It's like watching THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF when you desperately want a little TOP CHEF or HELL'S KITCHEN drama thrown in to the mix. The cast is dependable if not overly inspired, just like the movie itself. Those of you who enjoy British comedies may find more to appreciate than the average viewer. - Jeff Marshall, Movie Blogger (Facebook)

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/24

Full Review

Andrea K

It covers some of what people go through when a child goes missing. The toll it takes on the relationships that are left behind.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/10/22

Full Review

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Carl Hunter

Director

Bill Nighy

Alan

Sam Riley

Peter

Alice Lowe

Sue

Jenny Agutter

Margaret

Tim McInnerny

Arthur

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Sometimes Always Never: Trailer 1

2:09

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Synopsis

A man searches relentlessly for the missing son he has not seen in years, turning his entire family's life upside-down.

Director: Carl Hunter
Producer: Roy Boulter, Alan Latham, Sol Papadopoulos
Screenwriter: Frank Cottrell Boyce
Distributor: Blue Fox Entertainment
Production Co: Hurricane Films, Goldfinch Studios
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Some Sexual References)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 6, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 9, 2020
Runtime: 1h 31m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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