The Critic

A stylish, slow-burning descent into vanity and manipulation, where every polished line hides a threat and the tension coils tighter as the bodies pile up.

Directed by

Anand Tucker

Genres

Thriller, Crime, Drama

Starring

Ian McKellen, Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong

Tagline

Ambition seduces. Power corrupts.

Overview

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.

How it feels

Dark, cynical, tense and satirical. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Power, corruption, obsession, betrayal

Content

Mild violence, sexual content and language. No gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

Your rating is saved. See your suggestions, or find titles like this one below.

Rate it, and Mesmero finds titles that feel like it. You do not need an account.

Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)