Another excellent Soderbergh film highlighted by strong performances by McKellen and Coel who carry the absorbing and amusing story.
Legendary director Steven Soderbergh of Erin Brockovich, Traffic, Ocean’s Twelve and many more fame, reconnects with screenwriter Ed Solomon (previously working together on No Sudden Move in 2021), for this highly entertaining dark comedy featuring the always superb Ian McKellen and the excellently cool Michaela Coel.
The Christophers centres around the once famous elderly painter Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen) who has long since passed his best, and has become better known to younger generations for his harsh criticism of young painters as a reality TV show judge. Rather than painting, the aged Julian spends most of his present time earning money making online ‘Cameos’ for his fans. In the 1990’s he completed a well known couple of series of paintings called “The Christophers” which were based on Julian’s then lover. A third series of “The Christophers” was started by Julian but never completed and has languished for many years on the third floor of his untidy home.
Julian’s greedy children, Barnaby (James Corden) and Sallie (Jessica Gunning) hire Lori Butler (Michaela Coel) to pose as Julian’s assistant but secretly complete the third series of the “The Christophers” which would then be sold after Julian had died for millions. Sallie and Lori were in art school together but Lori has not exhibited in a long time and mostly works as an art restorer. As Lori begins work for Julian and their relationship develops, the forgery plan changes and twists in the fate of “The Christophers” starts.
Soderbergh’s usual style of giving prominence to wealthy urban settings and using natural lighting predominate again in the “The Christophers”. In addition to directing, Soderburg is the cinematographer and editor. He also returns to his recurring themes of evaluating the influences of money and criticism of capitalist institutions, particularly this time the art establishment. Solomon’s story is interesting and engaging and funny throughout.
Ian McKellen performs to his typically excellent standard as the not quite as doddery old painter as his moneygrubbing children think. Michaela Coel is calm and stolid in her first-rate performance. Corden and Gunning fit their roles as the mercenary children well.
“The Christophers” is another excellent Soderbergh film highlighted by strong performances by McKellen and Coel who carry the absorbing and amusing story.
Reviewed by Rob McKinnon
Rating 4 out of 5
Distributor: Neon
