The Critic (M)

The reimagining of Anthony Quinn's novel 'Curtain Call' centre on Jimmy Erskine (McKellen), the Daily Chronicle's most famous and featured theatre critic of the age; David Brooke (Strong), with whom he clashes after recently inheriting the paper; and a young actress, Nina Land (Arterton), who is devastated by Jimmy's recent negative review of her.  As the three become entangled in a whodunnit wrapped in a Faustian pact, their strange triangle winds tighter and tighter to devastating effect for all those caught in the deadly web of blackmail and betrayal.

Cast: Ian McKellen, Gemma Arterton, Ben Barnes, Mark Strong, Alfred Enoch, Lesley Manville,Romola Garai, Nikesh Patel, Claire Skinner, Beau Gadsdon

Director: Anand Tucker

"Ian McKellen at his sublime best" BBC

"McKellen, who relishes another devious character to sink his teeth into, devouring every scene, a deliciously caustic turn that will provide him with nothing but the finest notices." GUARDIAN

"A wonderful prestige drama that should garner praise for Ian McKellan’s performance. Gemma Arterton is a stand-out as well" FILM THREAT

"This is the Ian McKellen show and he makes Jimmy simultaneously despicable, understandable and wholly entertaining." THE WRAP

"McKellen...continues to be a powerhouse at 84-years-old" AWARDS WATCH