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The Critic

R Now Playing 1h 34m Mystery & Thriller Crime Drama TRAILER for List
49% Tomatometer 82 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Academy Award Nominee Sir Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings, The Good Liar) stars as a powerful London theater critic who lures a struggling actress into a blackmail scheme with deadly consequences. A suspenseful thriller co-starring Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace), Mark Strong (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and Lesley Manville (Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris).
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Critics Consensus

Everyone's a critic, and Ian McKellen is better than most at playing one, but even his character would give this rote melodrama a so-so review.

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Critics Reviews

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Donald Clarke Irish Times By the close, one is left befuddled. Is this a tragedy? Is this a comedy? Is it a moral fable? Cruelty to Homo criticus is the least of its problems. Rated: 3/5 Sep 28, 2024 Full Review Mark Kermode Kermode and Mayo's Take (YouTube) This is an entertainingly ripe melodrama with weird aspirations toward seriousness... tonally it's all over the place. Sep 20, 2024 Full Review Wendy Ide Observer (UK) Despite reported reshoots and a fresh edit after the film’s coolly received premiere last year, its sour spirit and a cluttered, clumsy third act remain a problem. Rated: 2/5 Sep 16, 2024 Full Review Jim Schembri jimschembri.com Anchoring the handsome production, McKellen puts in a typically strong central performance, portraying his charge as a well-dressed, impeccably spoken sleaze. Rated: 3/5 Oct 3, 2024 Full Review Jeremy Arblaster Under the Radar There’s nothing this strong cast of Brits can do to lift a flat second half. Rated: 4/10 Oct 1, 2024 Full Review Jason Blake Limelight Ian McKellen excels in this twisty-turning tale of a vitriolic theatre critic who will stop at nothing to stay in the limelight. Rated: 3.5/5 Sep 30, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (77) audience reviews
fran k Incredible performance by Ian Mckellan playing a totally despicable character. Engrossing. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/21/24 Full Review Denise T Ian McKellan is simply sinister in this film. Storyline fails a bit but the acting is good. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/20/24 Full Review Milo W Smart, classy thriller. Strong performances. McKellen was excellent. Highly recommended. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/18/24 Full Review Bernard S Liked actors and story Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/17/24 Full Review Sue Wonderful acting, every actor involved is excellent, interesting story line, amazing sets Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/16/24 Full Review Flicka As expected, Mr. McKellen was fantastic and the best part of this movie. There were heartbreaking scenes and pieces that make you think, but doesn't need to be seen in theatres. Not the best movie in the world, but worth watching once for a lesson in excellent acting. The direction was a bit distracting with so much focus on eyelashes instead of full faces, but maybe that is just my personal preference. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/15/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis Academy Award Nominee Sir Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings, The Good Liar) stars as a powerful London theater critic who lures a struggling actress into a blackmail scheme with deadly consequences. A suspenseful thriller co-starring Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace), Mark Strong (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and Lesley Manville (Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris).
Director
Anand Tucker
Producer
David Gilbery, Bill Kenwright, Jolyon Symonds
Screenwriter
Patrick Marber
Distributor
Greenwich Entertainment
Production Co
BKStudios, Culmination Productions
Rating
R (Sexual Content|Some Language)
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 13, 2024, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 29, 2024
Runtime
1h 34m
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