The Critic

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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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fran k

Incredible performance by Ian Mckellan playing a totally despicable character. Engrossing.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/21/24

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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

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Milo W

Smart, classy thriller. Strong performances. McKellen was excellent. Highly recommended.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/18/24

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Bernard S

Liked actors and story

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/17/24

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Sue

Wonderful acting, every actor involved is excellent, interesting story line, amazing sets

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/16/24

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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

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Anand Tucker

Director

Ian McKellen

Jimmy Erskine

Gemma Arterton

Nina Land

Mark Strong

David Brooke

Lesley Manville

Annabel Land

Ben Barnes

Stephen Wyley

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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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