Lionsgate and True Brit Entertainment will bring Ian McKellen’s The Critic to UK cinemas this September. More on the story below.
Lionsgate and True Brit have partnered up to release The Critic, director Anand Tucker’s new film, in UK cinemas, according to Deadline.
The film follows Ian McKellen’s ruthless theatre critic and the cast also includes Gemma Arteron, Mark Strong, Alfred Enoch, Romola Garai and Lesley Manville. The script was penned by Patrick Marber, based on Anthony Quinn’s novel.
Screen Daily reported in early 2024 that The Critic would be True Brit Entertainment’s first UK film release as a distributor, but it seems that the company has now joined forces with Lionsgate for The Critic’s release.
The Critic had its world premiere at Toronto Film Festival in 2023, where it received mixed reviews (though McKellen’s performance was well received).
“This taut and gripping thriller, led by Ian McKellen’s completely captivating performance, had us on the edge of our seats,” said Marie-Claire Benson, Executive Vice President and Head of the Lionsgate UK Motion Picture Group, per Deadline’s reporting. “Like all of Anand’s films, The Critic is hugely entertaining and will stay with you long after you leave the cinema. It’s a perfect addition to our slate, and we’re thrilled to be teaming with our longtime friend Zygi to bring it to audiences.”
Zygi Kamasa of True Brit Entertainment also added: “We’re delighted to partner with Lionsgate for The Critic in our first-ever distribution deal. It’s an astonishing British film with a stellar cast and we can’t wait to jointly bring it to audiences in UK and Ireland.”
Here’s the synopsis: When the most feared and vicious theatre critic in town Jimmy Erskine (Mckellen), finds himself suddenly in the cross hairs of the Daily Chronicle’s new owner David Brooke (Strong), he strikes a Faustian pact with struggling actress Nina Land (Arterton) who is desperate to win his favor.
The Critic premieres in UK cinemas on the 13th September.
