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The Critic is a film I was drawn to, because Ian McKellen (Last Action Hero – yes, seriously!) – in the lead role as The Chronicle’s drama theatre critic Jimmy Erskine – is a national treasure, who’s recently had to take time away from a stage play in London, but will be back on our big screens in 2026 as Gandalf, in the first of a new Lord of the Rings trilogy, we understand, even though the great man is not giving anything away in any interview.
Set in London, 1934, the Chronicle’s proprietor, who originally hired him, has passed away, and the mantle has passed to his son, David Brooke (Mark Strong – The End We Start From). However, times change and as part of ‘the old guard’, it might be hinted at Jimmy that it’s time to retire.
Additionally, in a time when homosexuality was still criminalised, it’s also suspected that he’s gay, and the paper just doesn’t want to associate with any such person, especially Brooke.
Enter Nina Land (Gemma Arterton – Culprits) as an up-and-coming actress – to whom Brooke is particularly attracted, with Lesley Manville as her mum, but as Erskine sorely criticises her latest performance, can he take the hint with Brooke’s ‘new broom’ ultimatum to tone things down, as well as ‘hide his activities’?
Overall, The Critic off very well in the opening act, but just goes down a ridiculous route after that and slows down to a crawl.
There is no mid- or post-credit scene.
The Critic is in cinemas now, and is available to pre-order on Blu-ray and DVD, ahead of its release date TBA.
Check out the trailer below:
Detailed specs:
Cert: 
Running time: 101 minutes
Release date: September 13th 2024
Studio: BKStudios, Culmination Productions, Fearless Minds, Mark Gordon Pictures
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Cinema: Odeon Trafford Centre
Rating: 4/10
Director: Anand Tucker
Producers: Bill Kenwright, Jolyon Symonds
Screenplay: Patrick Marber
Novel: Anthony Quinn (Curtain Call)
Music: Craig Armstrong
Cast:
Jimmy Erskine: Ian McKellen
Nina Land: Gemma Arterton
Annabel Land: Lesley Manville
David Brooke: Mark Strong
Stephen Wyley: Ben Barnes
Cora Wyley: Romola Garai
Tom Turner: Alfred Enoch
Mary Brooke: Claire Skinner
Freya Wyley: Beau Gadsdon
Mr. Morrisey: Pearce Quigley
Joan Harris: Rebecca Gethings
Brachiano / Orsino: Joe Coen
Slyfield: Jay Simpson
Ferdy Harwood: Nikesh Patel
Richard Pugh: Nicholas Bishop
Graham Meadows: Matthew Cottle
Dolly Langdon: Éva Magyar
Rowan Wyley: Oliver Shaw
Isabella / Viola: Eleanor Wyld
Flamineo / Fabian: Jake Neads
Lennie: Albie Marber
Robbie: Jacob James Beswick
Police Officer: Tom Padley
Zanche: Shanika Ocean
Lodovico: Griffin Stevens
Hugh Morris: Ron Cook
Lizzie Stage Manager: Avye Leventis
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.