Watch the trailer for the new Ian McKellen Gemma Arterton 1930s drama ‘The Critic’

Lionsgate films has shared the trailer for the upcoming 1930s thriller, The Critic, a dark and sharp-witted thriller, written by acclaimed screenwriter Patrick Marber and brought to the screen by Leap Year director Anand Tucker.

What’s it about?

Set in London in 1934, The Critic stars Ian McKellen as a powerful London drama critic, who involves a struggling actress, Nina (Gemma Arterton) in a blackmail scheme that has lethal consequences.

The official synopsis reads:

‘When the most feared and vicious theatre critic in town Jimmy Erskine (McKellen), finds himself suddenly in the cross hairs of the Daily Chronicle’s new owner David Brooke (Strong), he strikes a Faustian pact with struggling actress Nina Land (Arterton) who is desperate to win his favour.’ 

Watch the trailer here:

Ian McKellen and Gemma Arterton are joined by Mark Strong (1917) as Jimmy Erskine’s boss, and Lesley Manville (Mrs Harris Goes to Paris) as Nina’s mother. The cast is rounded out by Romola Garai (The Hour), Ben Barnes (Easy Virtue), and Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter).

Who is behind it?

The screenplay was written by Academy-Award nominee Patrick Marber, and directed by Anand Tucker (Hilary and Jackie), based on Anthony Quinn’s classic novel Curtain Call. The film’s score is by Craig Armstrong, a veteran film composer, known for his scores for the films Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby, and Love Actually.  It was produced by Jolyon Symonds for Fearless Minds and Bill Kenwright’s BK Studios.

When will it be released?

The Critic will be released in UK and US cinemas on September 13, 2024.

Anthony Quinn’s Curtain Call novel is available on Amazon.