The Critic

Set in London in 1934, this crime thriller follows Jimmy Erskine, a feared theater critic known for his harsh reviews and hedonistic lifestyle. When the new owner of the Daily Chronicle threatens his employment, Erskine enters into a dangerous agreement with Nina Land, an actress he had previously criticized. This alliance spirals into a complex scheme involving blackmail and betrayal as the characters navigate a competitive social scene and a series of mysterious murders.

The film was directed by Anand Tucker, marking his fifth feature since Shopgirl in 2005. It features a cast led by Ian McKellen as Jimmy Erskine, alongside Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong, Lesley Manville, Ben Barnes, and Romola Garai. The screenplay was written by Patrick Marber and produced by David Gilbery, Bill Kenwright, and Jolyon Symonds through BK Studios, Greenwich Entertainment, and Seven Stories.

Following its release in September 2024, the movie received moderate audience feedback. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 6/10 based on 6,300 votes, while on TMDB, it has a score of 5.8/10 from 117 votes.