True Brit Entertainment, the recently launched theatrical distributor of British films founded by Zygi Kamasa, today announces it has picked up The Critic for a wide UK theatrical release in Autumn 2024. It is the third title to be revealed since True Brit launched in November with previously announced films including Nick Love’sMarching Powder and Gurinder Chadha’s Christmas Karma.
The Critic is a thrilling story of ambition, blackmail, and desire with a dazzling anti-hero at its dark heart. The screenplay has been adapted by award-winning Patrick Marber (Closer, Notes on a Scandal) and the film is directed by Anand Tucker (Hilary & Jackie, Leap Year). The film is produced by Jolyon Symonds for Fearless Minds and Bill Kenwright’s BK Studios.
The film stars Sir Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings, X-Men), Gemma Arterton (The King’s Man, Funny Woman), Ben Barnes (Shadow and Bone), Alfred Enoch (How To Get Away With Murder, The Couple Next Door) , Romola Garai (One Life, Scoop), Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris), Nikish Patel (Starstruck, The Devil’s Hour) and Mark Strong (1917, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) amongst others.
Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellen) is the most feared theatre critic of the age. His newspaper’s new owner, David Brooke (Mark Strong), stands for patriotism and family values. It’s not long before Brooke fires Erskine for his outrageous behaviour and opinions, in particular a savage review of actress Nina Land (Gemma Arterton). Erskine picks up on this cue and exploits the opportunity to get his job back. He writes a glowing review for Nina, promises her a glittering career, but in return she must do him a favour which has devastating consequences.
“I set up True Brit Entertainment to celebrate British filmmaking, and in ‘The Critic’, Anand Tucker and the producers have assembled an all-star cast for this wonderful period drama, set in the heart of the 1930s West End” says Founder, Zygi Kamasa.
“Following its premiere at TIFF last year, we’ve continued to work on the film to really honour the wonderful performances of our stellar cast. I’m thrilled to be partnering with True Brit Entertainment for this upcoming release of ‘The Critic’, and can’t wait for audiences to see the film when it arrives in cinemas later this year” David Gilbery, CEO of BK.
