The Critic Christian Review

“The Critic”—a film set in 1930s London—is one of those period dramas that catches you off guard. It pulls you into its dark, twisted world with a kind of hypnotic allure, leaving you both intrigued and uneasy by the time the credits roll. As Christians, we approach films like this with a unique lens, looking not only for entertainment value but also for the messages they convey, whether intentionally or subtly. “The Critic” is one of those films that delivers on aesthetic and acting, yet raises moral questions we can’t ignore.

A World Built on Deception

First things first: the atmosphere of “The Critic” is masterfully done. Set against the backdrop of 1930s London, the film does an excellent job of recreating the feel of that era. The score is hauntingly beautiful, the cinematography is rich and textured, and the set design is so intricate you can almost feel the weight of the history pressing down on you. You’re transported to a world that is undeniably mesmerizing. But beneath all this beauty lies something much darker.

The plot itself? Well, let’s just say it’s one of those slow-burn narratives where every interaction feels like it’s dripping with underlying motives. If you enjoy films that make you think, and films that unravel slowly, “The Critic” will probably keep you engaged, though not without testing your patience. There are moments when the pacing feels almost too slow, but stick with it—the eventual payoff is worth it. The dark, devious turns the plot takes are as satisfying as they are unsettling. It’s a reminder of how much humanity can be swayed by ambition, and how easily morality can be compromised in the name of success.

Ian McKellen’s Malevolent Charm

And then there’s Sir Ian McKellen. At 85, the legendary actor doesn’t just show up—he dominates the screen. He portrays this preening, manipulative newspaper critic with such relish, you can’t help but be drawn in. McKellen hasn’t played a character this delightfully vile since his role in Richard III back in 1995, and it’s safe to say he hasn’t lost his touch. He plays the part with a kind of twinkling malevolence, a mix of charm and cruelty that makes you almost root for him—until you remember that he’s the villain.

In many ways, McKellen’s character becomes the embodiment of the film’s themes: ambition, power, and the dark side of success. The way he maneuvers his way through every situation, twisting words and people to his advantage, is a stark reminder of how easily the pursuit of power can corrupt. For Christians, this portrayal offers a clear warning. Power, when sought for selfish reasons, leads to a path of destruction. McKellen’s character doesn’t just thrive on manipulation; he relishes it. But at what cost? The film doesn’t shy away from showing the consequences of his actions, both for him and those around him.

A World Without Redemption?

One of the more troubling aspects of “The Critic” is the absence of redemption. While the film does an excellent job of showcasing the consequences of ambition and deceit, it doesn’t offer much in terms of hope. The characters, for the most part, seem trapped in a cycle of manipulation and self-interest, with little room for growth or change. As Christians, this can feel frustrating. We’re used to stories that, at the very least, offer some form of redemption—a glimmer of hope that even the most flawed among us can be redeemed. But in “The Critic,” that hope feels distant, if not entirely absent.

This lack of redemption doesn’t make the film unwatchable, but it does make it more difficult to digest. It’s one thing to watch a character fall into moral decay, but it’s another to watch them stay there without any hint of transformation. McKellen’s character, along with the others in the film, seems content to wallow in their sin without much introspection or remorse. And while this might be a realistic portrayal of how some people live their lives, it leaves the viewer with a sense of emptiness.

Morality on the Margins

The moral ambiguity of “The Critic” is both one of its strengths and one of its weaknesses. On the one hand, it presents a world where right and wrong aren’t always clear-cut. The characters navigate a morally grey landscape, where decisions are made not based on what’s right but on what’s advantageous. This makes for compelling storytelling, but it also leaves the viewer feeling a bit lost. As Christians, we’re called to live by a higher standard—to seek truth and integrity, even when it’s difficult. In “The Critic,” these values are largely absent, and the characters who do try to live by them often find themselves outmaneuvered by those who don’t.

That being said, the film does offer an interesting commentary on the dangers of unchecked ambition. McKellen’s character, in his relentless pursuit of power, destroys not only those around him but also himself. It’s a stark reminder of the Biblical truth that “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Watching the characters unravel as their lies and schemes catch up with them is a sobering reminder that no one can escape the consequences of their actions forever.

The Takeaway for Christian Viewers

Ultimately, “The Critic” is a film that requires discernment. It’s beautifully made, with strong performances and an intriguing plot, but it’s also morally complex and, at times, unsettling. For Christian viewers, it’s a film that can be appreciated for its artistry but approached with caution when it comes to its message. The absence of redemption and the focus on deceit and ambition might leave some viewers feeling spiritually drained rather than uplifted.

But perhaps that’s part of the point. “The Critic” doesn’t offer easy answers or neat resolutions. It presents a world that is messy and morally ambiguous, much like our own. And while it might not provide the redemption we crave, it does offer a stark reminder of the consequences of living a life devoid of integrity and truth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of period dramas and enjoy films that make you think, “The Critic” is worth a watch. But be prepared for a dark, morally complex journey that doesn’t always leave you feeling uplifted. For Christian viewers, it’s a film that raises important questions about power, ambition, and the nature of redemption—and while it might not answer those questions in the way we’d like, it offers plenty of food for thought.

Rating: 6.5/10

“The Critic” earns its score for strong performances, particularly from Ian McKellen, and its beautifully crafted world. However, its moral ambiguity and lack of redemption prevent it from reaching higher marks. Proceed with caution and discernment, but if you appreciate complex, thought-provoking storytelling, you might find it to be a worthwhile watch.