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SummaryJulian Sklar (Ian McKellen) was once a star of London’s 1960’s and 70’s pop art explosion, but he hasn’t painted in decades and has been broke for years. His two estranged children (James Corden, Jessica Gunning), desperate for an inheritance, hire Lori, an art restorer and former forger (Michaela Coel), to pose as a prospective assistant in orde... Read More
Directed By:Steven Soderbergh
Written By:Ed Solomon
The Christophers
Metascore
Generally Favorable
80
User score
Mixed or Average
5.8
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
80
91% Positive
30 Reviews
30 Reviews
9% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Apr 16, 2026
100
The Christophers is full of heady thumb-sucking questions about legacy, artistic expression and commerce, and reinvention, a subject Soderbergh knows well. This is far from blockbuster Soderbergh (Erin Brokovich, the Oceans trilogy, Magic Mike), but a return to the basics: A set, a mobile camera, a couple of terrific actors, and a story to explain what brings them there.
Apr 15, 2026
88
McKellen and Coel give a master class in line readings throughout “The Christophers.” It’s a real pleasure watching two seasoned actors bounce off each other in service to creating their characters. It’s even more delightful to see this in a film made for adults that has plenty to say about human nature, love, and the inspirations that fuel our lives.
User score
Mixed or Average
5.8
59% Positive
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
12% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
29% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
Apr 27, 2026
9
As the film starts, an art conservator (Michaela Coel) is hired by the offspring of a famous artist (Ian McKellen) to access the remaining titular paintings in his attic. From his first moment, McKellan exhibits the charismatic power and utter delight that’s made him so enduring. He’s continually entertaining and funny. As his complete opposite, Goel manages to hold her own in what is basically a two-hander. Adding to the dark comic elements are the greedy children, beautifully smarmy James Corden and Jessica Gunning. Steven Soderbergh wrote and directed under his name, while shooting as Peter Andrews and editing as Mary Ann Bernard. His complete control allows for this intimate, mature, entertaining film, while poking some fun at the art market. Not only one of McKellan’s best performances, but one of the year’s best.
Apr 26, 2026
4
I had much higher expectations. The acting was good but it felt staged. And for a movie about art and artists, there was very little art.
Apr 10, 2026
80
The Christophers is a slippery customer, an ingenious and twisty two-hander that shifts in tone as Lori and Julian get their hooks into each other. Coel and McKellen prove to be a combustible pair, two actors of contrasting generations, genders, and race who parry in darkly funny sessions that morph in complexity as their characters continue to try to outflank each other.
Apr 10, 2026
80
Out of magnanimity, I’ll liken this trifle to a Rothko. The more I think about The Christophers, the more I imagine it has interesting layers. But I won’t fault anyone who just sees a simple square.
Apr 15, 2026
75
Instead of settling for a tour de force from McKellen, Soderbergh goes for something better — a fascinating give and take from start to finish.
Sep 8, 2025
75
McKellen has been given a wonderful late-career gift in Steven Soderbergh’s The Christophers, a role that allows him to deliver one of his best performances in years.
Sep 8, 2025
58
For audiences wishing to see two actors dig into juicy roles, The Christophers will get the job done. If you’re looking for a deep analysis of originality and artifice, look elsewhere.
Apr 28, 2026
0
This film winds up about as creative as a dead pigeon that sadly became roadkill.
Apr 21, 2026
0
The genuine definition of boredom, the christophers leaves absolutely no reason for its existence other than to fill the void of trash forgotten movies
Production Company:
- Department M
Release Date:Apr 10, 2026
Duration:1 h 40 m
Rating:R
Awards
Sonoma International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Miami Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
