Ian McKellen Shines in New Soderbergh Film ‘The Christophers’: Fans React!

Just a year after the release of Presence-The Insider, Steven Soderbergh has returned with The Christophers. This is his eleventh feature film since he announced his retirement in 2013. A true dark comedy, a genre Soderbergh masters well, the film was co-written with his friend Ed Solomon (Charlie’s Angels, Now You See Me series) and stars the legendary Ian McKellen and the talented Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You).

Julian Sklar, a once-prominent figure in London’s pop art scene who has become a misanthrope, hasn’t painted in decades. His greedy children hire Lori, a restorer and former forger, to pose as his assistant. Her task: to secretly complete a series of eight unfinished paintings, the “Christophers,” and make a fortune from them.

What do viewers think of Soderbergh’s new feature? On AlloCiné, the film currently scores an average of 3.3 out of 5, based on 37 ratings and 7 reviews.

McKellen and Coel, a Winning Combination

Audiences praise the film as intellectually engaging, questioning the value of art and its authenticity. The setting, almost becoming a character itself, provides the perfect backdrop for a powerhouse acting duel led by a commanding Ian McKellen.

Lorbous (4.5/5): “Seen at the premiere Positive at the Forum des images. A wonderful film, cynical, deep, and also tender. A superb Ian McKellen.“

Yves G. from Club Allociné (2/5): “Steven Soderbergh always surprises us. A victim of early fame — he was one of the youngest recipients of the Palme d’Or at just twenty-six with Sex, Lies, and Videotape — he has alternated between blockbusters (Erin Brockovich, Traffic, Ocean’s Eleven and its unnecessary sequels, Solaris…) and smaller experimental films for thirty years. This film is in-between: it’s neither a small, uniquely formatted film nor a big Hollywood production. It’s a ‘middle film,’ to use a term once used by Pascale Ferran.“

Soderbergh Lacks Some Bite

For some, the film suffers from a weak plot and an excess of dialogue that ultimately slows down the pace. Despite the depth of themes addressed, the lack of strong narrative stakes leaves viewers uncertain about this new Soderbergh offering.

Mélany T. (3/5): “The sounds and the narrative are lovely, but the direction and the script are somewhat flat, which is a pity.“

FaRem from Club Allociné (2.5/5): “Michaela Coel and Ian McKellen are outstanding, but not enough to elevate a weak plot and humor that lacks sharpness. It’s not a typical ‘Soderbergh heist,’ but rather a film about art, the value of works, and the importance of authenticity, as well as a story about inheritance, whether familial, human, or artistic. I didn’t hate it, but it’s not my favorite among the director’s recent works.“

In Summary

With The Christophers, Soderbergh delivers a polished chamber piece led by an imperial Ian McKellen. While the philosophical dialogues captivate, the thin plot and slow pace deter others. The director’s pace since his supposed retirement continues to amaze.

The Christophers is currently in theaters.

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