THE CRITIC – ONLY IN CINEMAS 13 SEPTEMBER 2024.
“The Critic” is a story of ambition, blackmail and desire with a dazzling anti-hero at its dark heart. A whodunnit wrapped in a Faustian pact which winds tighter and tighter. Patrick Marber adapted the script from Anthony Quinn’s novel.
I’m very pleased to present the trailer for my new film, THE CRITIC, a deliciously dark thriller with an all-star cast including Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong, Ben Barnes, Alfie Enoch , Romola Garai, and Lesley Manville. This distinguished film debuts in US, UK and Ireland cinemas on the 13th of September.
Set in 1930s London, The Critic revolves around a feared theatre critic named Jimmy Erskine, his loyal assistant, a newspaper owner who wants to get rid of the critic and an actress who has been devastated by the excoriating theatrical reviews. The critic’s determination to survive ensures that the other characters are caught in a web of blackmail, deceit and murder.
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Reviews
“The Critic, written by Patrick Marber and based on the novel Curtain Call by Anthony Quinn, is a wonderful prestige drama that should garner praise for Ian McKellen’s performance.” — Simone Cromer, Film Threat
“Ian McKellen Is Deliciously Vile in Operatic Tragedy.” — Isabella Soares, Collider
“Ian McKellen Makes a Nasty Reviewer Despicable and Entertaining.” — Steve Pond, The Wrap
“McKellen … relishes another devious character to sink his teeth into, devouring every scene, a deliciously caustic turn that will provide him with nothing but the finest notices.” — Benjamin Lee, The Guardian
Ian McKellen on Critics and “The Critic”
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