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The Critic

The Critic

Ambition seduces. Power corrupts.

2023101 minRMidcredits score: 48th percentile of all films
Director
Anand Tucker
Starring
Ian McKellen, Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong, Lesley Manville

Jimmy Erskine is the most feared theatre critic of the age. He lives as flamboyantly as he writes and takes pleasure in savagely taking down any actor who fails to meet his standards. When the owner of the Daily Chronicle dies, and his son takes over, Jimmy quickly finds himself at odds with his new boss and his position under threat. In an attempt to preserve the power and influence he holds so sacred, Jimmy strikes a Faustian pact with a struggling actress, entangling them and the boss in a thrilling but deadly web of desire, blackmail, and betrayal.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Critic?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Critic streaming on STARZ via Apple TV and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Apple TV

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Critic?

The Critic earns 5 badges, led by Standout acting and Atmospheric.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is The Critic worth watching?

The Critic's Midcredits score is the 48th percentile of all films, from 19K ratings across 6 sources. 52% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

48th percentile

Better received than 48% of films

50th percentile among Crime50th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)41st
Approval (how many liked it)55th

59 /100

41st percentile of all films

41st percentile among Crime43rd percentile among 2020s

Critics 54 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

52% liked it

55th percentile of all films

56th percentile among Crime56th percentile among 2020s
52% rated it 7–1048% rated it 1–6

Critics 51% · Audience 65%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Reach

How many have seen it

84th percentile

19K ratings across platforms

80th percentile among Crime85th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 33% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$177K
Domestic gross$449K
Worldwide gross$3.3M

64th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A handsomely mounted period drama anchored by Ian McKellen's commanding performance as a venomous theatre critic.

Fans praised

  • Ian McKellen's vicious, magnetic performance as the curdled critic
  • Evocative 1930s London atmosphere and period authenticity
  • Witty, caustic dialogue delivered with theatrical relish

Detractors panned

  • Implausible, contrived plot that strains credulity
  • Underwritten supporting characters reduced to pawns
  • Uneven pacing and rushed, unsatisfying third act

What stands out

Acting85

McKellen's deliciously wicked, commanding lead; Arterton credible; Strong understated

Atmosphere78

Immersive foggy, smoky 1930s theatreland with moral decay

Cinematography72

Lush period visuals, moody interiors, careful recreation of 1930s London

DialogueDivisive70

Witty, acid-tongued lines for McKellen; some find them overdone

Pacing40

Slow-burn first half, rushed final act with uneven momentum

Plot and story35

Convoluted blackmail scheme with implausible twists and contrived coincidences

Characters35

Jimmy is compellingly odious but others are thinly sketched pawns

Originality30

Familiar melodrama with echoes of older films; predictable arc

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 36 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 39 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Critic like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
TonePlays the blackmail plot and its consequences straight, with a brooding, tense atmosphere.
The rideThe synopsis promises a suspenseful thriller, so tension and dread dominate, building to a likely heavy climax.
StructureConventional narrative structure, unfolding linearly.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

The answer rests on this: UnsettlingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's deadly consequences and moral ambiguity leave an unsettling, lingering unease.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).TragedyHubris
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% (this title) · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Hubris: Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).

9% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA theater critic's manipulation of an actress sets in motion a hubristic tragedy.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfDeception
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% (this title) · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Deception · 9% of filmsPower · 2% of filmsAmbition · 7% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a blackmail scheme that hinges on lies and manipulation, while exploring the corrupting influence of power and personal ambition.
StanceThe film warns about the dangers of manipulation and the corrupting nature of power, focusing on the critic and his victim.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Craig Armstrong
SettingLondon theater and high-society circles
MusicCraig Armstrong's score likely underscores the tense, brooding atmosphere.

Content guide

Is The Critic okay for kids?

R

The Critic is rated R: “Rated R for some language and sexual content” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (38/100), sexual content at mild (33/100), language at severe (85/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (56/100) and frightening material at moderate (48/100). Its violence, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • New ZealandM
  • Spain16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 28%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 82%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (51 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Critic have?

MovieCove's classifier found no content warnings in The Critic's parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Critic?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Ian McKellen
as Jimmy Erskine
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Gemma Arterton
as Nina Land
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mark Strong
as David Brooke
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Lesley Manville
as Annabel Land
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Ben Barnes
as Stephen Wyley
Romola Garai
as Cora Wyley
Alfred Enoch
as Tom Turner
Ron Cook
as Hugh Morris
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Claire Skinner
as Mary Brooke
Matthew Cottle
as Graham Meadows

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Critic?

Movies like The Critic include Notes on a Scandal (2006), Richard III (1955) and Glorious 39 (2009). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Patrick Marber, and half are films set in London.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

10 of these 12 share its feel: brooding. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Critic?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: journalist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.