Netflix fans have been treated to a “superb” crime thriller that’s perfect for Betrayal fans.
Netflix has released a “breathtaking” period drama film that’s been labelled as a “little gem”.
British espionage thriller Betrayal made its ITV debut earlier this year with the cast headed up by Endeavour legend Shaun Evans.
He is joined by stars such as Beyond Paradise‘s Zahra Ahmadi and Vigil actress Romola Garai who stars in 2023 crime thriller The Critic, which is now available to stream on Netflix.
While Garai plays a character called Cora Wyley, James Bond legend Gemma Arterton portrays young actress Nina Land, who becomes entangled in a blackmail plot orchestrated by “vicious feared” theatre critic Jimmy Erskine (played by Ian McKellen).
Set during the 1930s, The Critic is billed as a “story of blackmail, murder and high-stakes manipulation in the theatre world”.
Before the film’s premiere three years ago, The Critic had already attracted a devoted following, given its adaptation from Anthony Quinn’s 2015 novel Curtain Call.
It’s unsurprising, then, that audiences have been effusive in their praise for the period drama.
“This movie hits harder than it had any right to! How can these little gems sneak under the radar?”, questioned one viewer.
A second posted on IMdB: “A most colourful, but also dark and foggy production about success, secrets and death, it delivers far more than I’d expected.”
Another described it as a “breathtaking piece of filmmaking”, while someone else praised its “superb casting and a devilish plot”.
A fellow fan remarked: “It is a beautifully crafted film, full of nuances and subtleties that combine with a good script and technical finesse to offer a quietly compelling film.
“Suspend your expectations of what a film should be, sit back and relish one of the finest films of recent years. It is joy. Be entertained.”
Playing opposite Artherton in the role of critic Jimmy Erskine is the legendary Ian McKellen, renowned for his performances in X-Men, Lord of the Rings, Richard III, and The Da Vinci Code, amongst others.
The cast also features Harry Potter and Netflix’s Run Away star Alfred Enoch, Shadow and Bone’s Ben Barnes and The Crown actress Lesley Manville.
The Critic is available to watch on Netflix.
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