In London, Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellen) is a well-known theatre critic for a respected, friendly newspaper. As a critic, Jimmy is known for his honesty, but he can also be harsh and use foul descriptions or cruel wording. His most recent review harshly criticises one of Nina Land’s (Gemma Arterton) performances, calling it disgusting and awful, even comparing her to an animal. However, this isn’t the first time Jimmy has written something harsh and cruel towards Nina- he has harshly criticised all her performances. Jimmy feels he’s speaking the truth and doesn’t care what Nina thinks.
Amid Jimmy’s seemingly good life, a significant change awaits. When the newspaper Jimmy writes for is acquired by a new owner, David Brooke (Mark Strong), Jimmy is told to refine his writing style to incorporate more elegance and less harshness. Jimmy is appalled by the request to change his writing, especially after having done it his own way for so long. When Nina confides in Jimmy about her hesitations regarding an upcoming show, he grasps the opportunity to retaliate against David for questioning his writing and altering his career as a critic. Jimmy strikes a deal with Nina, offering to support her acting career if she succeeds in a secret task. However, a tangled web of deceit, manipulation, and tragedy follows.
The Critic is a dramatic period film with a touch of crime and thriller elements; however, the thriller aspect is not the film’s focus. There are no major plot twists or big reveals, but the biggest mystery is how it will all end. As a drama, The Critic tells a sad and tragic story filled with mean-spirited characters who make unwise choices that lead to serious consequences for those around them. The film is directed by Anand Tucker, known for his work on Leap Year (2010) and Shopgirl (2005).
When it comes to performances, Ian McKellen delivers yet another great performance as a confident and mean-spirited critic. However, his performance is overly familiar and not unique. The same could be said about Gemma Arterton’s performance. On the other hand, Mark Strong’s performance easily stands out here. His character continually tries to do what’s right but often finds himself in tricky and tempting situations, which I enjoyed seeing the actor tackle. I can’t say many of the characters are likable, including The Critic himself, who often feels like a villain. The score has moments that feel dramatic and fitting.
The story, especially the finale, was unexpected, with some confusing editing. Several scenes end abruptly, making the film feel unpolished and sloppy. It’s also challenging to fully understand the characters’ choices and motives. For example, Nina seems to want Jimmy’s approval and eventually seeks out contact with him even though he has disrespected her many times. Nor is it entirely clear why he hates Nina so passionately.
Overall, if you seek a period drama film with leads who make poor choices leading to tragic outcomes, The Critic is for you. The film is generally fine but is not anything overly groundbreaking, either. Ian McKellen’s leading character is a mixture of confident, playful, sinister, and cruel. It’s good, but it’s also nothing new. Actor Mark Strong is the biggest standout here on-screen. While the sound score is often well-suited, other aspects, such as the editing, feel questionable and clunky, especially the abrupt cuts. Even more challenging to process and understand are the strange character choices. The motivation behind these choices is not always clear and are, therefore, difficult to comprehend.
The Critic (2023) is Now Available in Australian Cinemas!
6.0/10
5th October 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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