In 2025, Steven Soderbergh released The Christophers, marking his third film of the year and surprising many who remembered his 2013 announcement of retirement. The film delves into themes of aging, creative struggle, and complicated family dynamics through the lens of a reclusive artist, reflecting some of Soderbergh’s own public reflections on the challenges of sustaining artistic relevance. Set in Camden Town, London, The Christophers focuses on a painter grappling with his legacy amid the selfish ambitions of his children.
The Story of Julian Sklar and His Troubled Legacy
The plot centers on Julian Sklar, a withdrawn artist portrayed with sharp wit and emotional depth by Ian McKellen. Sklar is a former painting prodigy who now faces frustration over his fading talent and obscurity. His irritable outbursts are met with equal parts humor and sadness, revealing a complex character weighed down by regret. The drama emerges when Sklar’s children, Barnaby and Sallie, conspire to complete their father’s unfinished paintings covertly. Their plan is to use Sklar’s own brushes and paints to finish works that could be sold for millions, positioning themselves to inherit wealth they feel entitled to despite being largely excluded.
Characters Bringing Conflict and Depth to the Film
James Corden and Jessica Gunning play the conniving siblings, providing much of the film’s broad comedic relief with their over-the-top scheming. Contrasting their brashness is Michaela Coel’s character, Lori Butler, the skilled art restorer hired under false pretenses as Sklar’s assistant. Her quiet presence and observant demeanor create a subtle tension as she navigates Sklar’s volatile temperament while quietly influencing the unfolding events. This layered interaction between Lori and Sklar forms the emotional core of the film, illustrating the delicate balance between power, vulnerability, and care.
A Shift in Screenwriting Style from Ed Solomon
Known for blockbuster hits like Men In Black and Now You See Me, screenwriter Ed Solomon surprises with this intimate, character-driven drama. The Christophers strips down the scope from high-concept adventures to a small, intense chamber piece that explores interpersonal manipulation and emotional truths. Solomon’s talent for crafting distinctive characters shines through in the film’s focus on the four main figures as they engage in a tense, twisting battle of wills, each motivated by their personal desires and regrets.
The Cinematic Atmosphere Captured by Steven Soderbergh’s Dual Role
Steven Soderbergh also serves as the cinematographer under the pseudonym Peter Andrews, capturing Camden Town with a naturalistic, almost documentary style. The detailed set design fills Julian Sklar’s adjoining townhouses with a rich layering of personal history, from worn door scratches to a cluttered attic brimming with forgotten objects. The studio walls, thick with layers of dried paint, resonate with a palpable sense of time and memory. This immersive environment enhances the film’s claustrophobic yet alive atmosphere, reflecting the tangled personal and artistic struggles of the characters.
Exploring Themes of Aging, Loss, and Artistic Despair
The Christophers carries the weight of its protagonist’s bitterness but also explores shared themes of loss and self-reinvention through Lori’s experiences. Their mutual pain and fractured trust highlight the challenge of facing aging and declining creativity without succumbing to despair. While the film does not offer full reconciliation or healing, it suggests a quiet resilience—akin to the Japanese art of kintsugi—in finding meaning amid brokenness and refusing to suffer in silence.
The Film’s Position in Soderbergh’s Oeuvre and Its Reception
This understated, contemplative film diverges from the flashy style of many modern blockbusters, instead offering a nuanced meditation on time, regret, and family. Ian McKellen’s commanding performance elevates The Christophers beyond potential clichés, lending gravitas to the film’s exploration of vulnerability and rage. It reaffirms Steven Soderbergh’s status as a master storyteller who continues to experiment with form and content, showing that his earlier hints of retirement were perhaps more reflective of artistic frustration than finality. The Christophers demonstrates that Soderbergh still has creative vitality and ambition despite previous misgivings.
Key Details of The Christophers
The Christophers was written by Ed Solomon and stars Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning, and James Corden. Directed and shot by Steven Soderbergh, the film premiered on September 7, 2025, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
