Ian McKellen, one of England’s most celebrated actors known for roles across Shakespearean drama and blockbuster franchises, has received widespread acclaim for his latest film. The new comedy starring McKellen, titled The Christophers, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7 and earned a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, highlighting the strong reception among critics.
The Christophers Achieves High Praise at Toronto Premiere
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, marking his third film release this year after Presence and Black Bag, The Christophers features Ian McKellen as a once-renowned artist whose children hire a forger to complete his unfinished works for sale. The screenplay was penned by Ed Solomon.
The cast also boasts notable performers such as Michaela Coel, a two-time Emmy winner known for I May Destroy You, Emmy recipient Jessica Gunning from Baby Reindeer, and James Corden, a 12-time Emmy-winning former late-night host. Despite McKellen being unable to attend due to health reasons, the film’s premiere stirred enthusiasm from viewers and reviewers alike.
Currently holding a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 13 critic reviews, the film’s score demonstrates strong critical support, though further reviews could alter this rating as the movie has yet to secure a theatrical release date or an official audience rating.
Critical Reception Highlights Strengths and Nuances of The Christophers
The Rotten Tomatoes score indicates that most critics responded positively to the film, praising its performances and direction. In a review by Rachel Labonte for ScreenRant, she describes Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel as
“an unexpectedly perfect duo in Soderbergh’s art-centric drama,”
and calls the film
“a stripped-down affair that serves as a perfect showcase.”
However, not all reviews were uniformly favorable. Christopher Schobert of The Film Stage offered a more critical perspective, stating
“For audiences wishing to see two actors dig into juicy roles, The Christophers will get the job done. If you’re looking for a deep analysis of originality and artifice, look elsewhere.”
The film is often noted for its intimate exploration of artistic legacy and human relationships, with critics highlighting the magnetic chemistry between McKellen and Coel as a central strength. While some reviewers mentioned that the story is not groundbreaking and that the conclusion may leave some wanting, the consensus values the thoughtful themes and strong character work as making the viewing experience worthwhile.
What The Christophers’ Reception Means Moving Forward
The positive critical reaction and near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score provide an auspicious start for The Christophers, underscoring the film’s potential to resonate with audiences once widely released. Ian McKellen’s continued ability to deliver compelling performances at this stage in his career adds to the anticipation.
As the film awaits a theatrical release date, the current acclaim suggests it will attract viewers interested in character-driven stories about art, family, and legacy. The collaboration of respected talents like McKellen, Coel, and Soderbergh further elevates expectations that The Christophers will be an engaging, thoughtful addition to this year’s cinematic landscape.
