Review: Steven Soderbergh's 'The Christophers' is a Witty Tale of Forgery and Friendship
NPR film critic Justin Chang reviews Steven Soderbergh’s latest feature, 'The Christophers,' describing it as a terrific and witty chamber comedy. The film stars Ian McKellen as Julian Sklar, an aging, famous painter living in a ramshackle London townhouse, and Michaela Coel as Lori Butler, his new assistant. Unbeknownst to Julian, Lori is a skilled art restorer hired by his greedy adult children, played by James Corden and Jessica Gunning, to infiltrate his home. Her mission involves locating and completing Julian's unfinished portraits of his former lover, Christopher, to forge valuable artworks for future sale after his anticipated death. The narrative explores themes of economic strain, moral ambiguity, and personal grievances, featuring numerous twists typical of Soderbergh’s heist-style storytelling. Chang praises McKellen’s performance, noting his ability to blend gravitas with mischief, and highlights Soderbergh’s consistent directorial nimbleness. The review positions the film as a standout example of quality cinema, comparing Soderbergh’s productivity to the old Hollywood studio system while appreciating the sharp writing by Ed Solomon and the dynamic between the lead characters.
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Review: Steven Soderbergh's 'The Christophers' is a Witty Tale of Forgery and Friendship
NPR film critic Justin Chang reviews Steven Soderbergh’s latest feature, 'The Christophers,' describing it as a terrific and witty chamber comedy. The film stars Ian McKellen as Julian Sklar, an aging, famous painter living in a ramshackle London townhouse, and Michaela Coel as Lori Butler, his new assistant. Unbeknownst to Julian, Lori is a skilled art restorer hired by his greedy adult children, played by James Corden and Jessica Gunning, to infiltrate his home. Her mission involves locating and completing Julian's unfinished portraits of his former lover, Christopher, to forge valuable artworks for future sale after his anticipated death. The narrative explores themes of economic strain, moral ambiguity, and personal grievances, featuring numerous twists typical of Soderbergh’s heist-style storytelling. Chang praises McKellen’s performance, noting his ability to blend gravitas with mischief, and highlights Soderbergh’s consistent directorial nimbleness. The review positions the film as a standout example of quality cinema, comparing Soderbergh’s productivity to the old Hollywood studio system while appreciating the sharp writing by Ed Solomon and the dynamic between the lead characters.
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