February 16, 2025

THE CRITIC (2024) – Ian McKellen plays a nasty critic with deadly reviews

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The Critic Alfred Enoch Ian McKellen

In the British crime thriller The Critic, set against the backdrop of 1930s London, Ian McKellen delivers a masterful performance as Jimmy, a rather stony-hearted theatre critic. Gemma Arterton stars as Nina, a struggling theatre actress who strikes a deal with Jimmy to write favorable reviews of her performances while she helps him blackmail his boss. Naturally, things don’t go as planned, leading to dire consequences for everyone involved.

The overall plot of The Critic is fairly straightforward. However, what makes this film an exceptional watch is largely attributed to the way the story is told, the script, and the performances. Ian McKellen, in particular, is the movie’s strongest asset, delivering his usual polished performance as the zealous but heartless critic. His portrayal adds depth and intrigue to the character, making Jimmy both detestable and fascinating.

The movie effectively utilizes its period setting of pre-World War II 1930s by injecting some social commentary on the homophobia and racist culture of the times. Its other themes of ambition, blackmail, and suicide are predominantly dark, but there are elements of hope as well. Some flawed characters display moments of compassion and decency, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. The mix of doing the right thing and doing the wrong thing highlights the internal struggles of the characters as they confront their consciences.

The Critic might look like it belongs on TV more than in a cinema, but don’t let that fool you. Despite the dialogue-heavy scenes, it remains highly engaging. The performances are so spot-on that you’ll feel like you’re watching a theatre play rather than a film, which is fitting given the movie’s setting. Like Jimmy, you’ll inevitably turn into a critic while watching, but unlike Jimmy’s harsh reviews, this film deserves a thumbs-up.

In conclusion, The Critic is a gem for its engaging narrative, strong performances, and thought-provoking social commentary. It’s well worth your time – and unlike the often cruel reviews Jimmy writes for his readers’ amusement, this one deserves a round of applause.

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