At the Toronto International Film Festival, Ian McKellen makes a remarkable return with The Christophers, a Steven Soderbergh film showcasing one of the actor’s most compelling performances in years. As McKellen approaches 87 and prepares for a blockbuster next year, this role offers him a unique and powerful opportunity to demonstrate his enduring talent. The movie centers on themes of art, legacy, and complex human relationships, held together by McKellen’s commanding presence.
The Plot Behind The Christophers: Art, Family, and Hidden Secrets
Written by Ed Solomon, regarded by many as his finest screenplay, The Christophers introduces viewers to Lori Butler, a former artist turned art restorer, who is enlisted to infiltrate the home of Julian Sklar, a celebrated British painter. Julian, played by McKellen, is nearing the end of his life and has hoarded a collection of unfinished paintings known as The Christophers. These hidden works represent an untapped fortune and are fiercely protected from public view by Sklar himself.
Lori is recruited by Sallie Sklar, Julian’s daughter, and her brother Barnaby, who both have a fraught connection with their father and are desperate to secure these paintings as a financial inheritance. The narrative unfolds in London, primarily within Julian’s townhouse, where the art rests untouched since the 1990s. Lori pretends to be Julian’s assistant, seeking the elusive paintings to either finish or replicate, with the goal of selling them after his death. Unknown to Sallie and Barnaby, Lori has a history with Julian that complicates her mission.
Complex Characters and Intricate Relationships in a Confined Setting
The film’s central focus lies in the evolving dynamic between Julian and Lori, effectively a two-person play that allows both actors to explore layers of vulnerability, bitterness, and unspoken affection. Julian’s character is a past progressive artist who became notorious for a scandal on a reality TV program, leading to his cancellation before the pandemic. Despite his bitter exterior and outdated views, the character reveals a poignant emotional depth tied to his late-in-life coming out and a profound love affair reflected in the paintings.
Lori juggles her own struggles and ambitions while navigating her complicated feelings toward Julian, whose work inspired her to become an artist as a child. Their interactions brim with sharp dialogue and emotional intensity, with McKellen’s Julian delivering witty yet cutting remarks matched by Coel’s steady and nuanced responses. McKellen inhabits Julian as a flawed but fascinating figure, evoking sympathy despite the character’s difficult personality.
Steven Soderbergh’s Direction Highlights Performance Over Setting
Director Steven Soderbergh allows the actors considerable freedom to explore the tension and complexity of their roles, providing ample space for McKellen and Coel to build their chemistry. However, the film’s limited settings—mostly confined to rooms inside Julian’s London townhouses—create an intimate but claustrophobic atmosphere that intensifies the emotional pressure. The story occasionally benefits when it moves into other locations, breaking the tightness of the central scenes.
Exploring Themes of Artistic Legacy and Forgiveness
At its core, The Christophers contemplates heavy themes such as the morality of forging art and the legacy left behind by creators. The unfinished works in Julian’s possession become a symbol for emotional closure and unfulfilled love. The narrative explores whether Lori is complicit in a scheme driven by greed or genuinely involved in helping Julian confront his past. These questions are threaded delicately throughout the film’s 100-minute runtime, providing subtle suspense and moral ambiguity.
Together, Solomon’s screenplay and Soderbergh’s direction craft a thoughtful meditation on the intersections of art, personal identity, and family conflict. It’s a character-driven story that invites audiences to consider the complexities of human relationships and the emotional costs of artistic genius.
Ian McKellen’s Performance: A Masterclass in Subtlety and Power
Ian McKellen delivers a nuanced performance that captures the contradictions of Julian Sklar—an artist who is both brilliant and deeply flawed. His portrayal balances abrasive humor with moments of sincere vulnerability, making Julian a character viewers find themselves empathizing with despite his abrasive tendencies and outdated worldview. McKellen’s work here stands as a testament to his enduring capability as a performer and adds a significant highlight to his late career.
Michaela Coel’s role as Lori complements McKellen’s skill, offering a strong and balanced counterpart that grounds the film. Their on-screen relationship is charged with tension and mutual respect, creating much of the film’s emotional resonance. The quality of their interplay bolsters the film’s appeal and provides a steady core amid the unfolding drama.
The Film’s Impact and What Audiences Can Expect
The Christophers represents a significant moment in the careers of both Steven Soderbergh and Ian McKellen, blending intense character study with a suspenseful narrative while inviting broader reflection on art and life. The movie’s focus on interpersonal drama against the backdrop of artistic creation resonates beyond its London setting, making it especially poignant for viewers interested in exploring themes of love, regret, and redemption.
For those who appreciate character-driven cinema and strong performances, this film offers a compelling experience that stands apart from typical festival fare. As McKellen continues to select roles that challenge and inspire him, his work in The Christophers will likely be remembered as one of his most affecting late-career achievements. Meanwhile, Soderbergh’s direction ensures the story remains closely tethered to its emotional truths, allowing the audience to fully engage with the characters’ complexities.
