Steven Soderbergh delivers an inspiring film with terrific performances from Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel. You don't need to be an art lover to enjoy this deeply emotional film. This one is out now.
“A mainstay of the London art scene since his breakout in the 1960’s, Julia Sklar (Ian McKellen) has drifted into a self-imposed seclusion. His two estranged children enlist Lori (Michaela Coel), a forger, to pose as an assistant and access a series of unfinished canvases Julian has buried in his studio in a deceptive bid to secure an inheritance for themselves.”
There are many directors that have a trademark, a style you can instantly recognize no matter the subject matter. If I was to try and pin down what constitutes a Steven Soderbergh film, I don’t think I could give you an answer, besides the fact perhaps that all of my favorites seem to have a sophisticated, smart feel to them that is hard to put your finger on. He’s definitely one of the most versatile and prolific directors working today, from the heist thrills of the Ocean’s trilogy to the intensity of Traffic, and then films like Magic Mike that blend intense character pieces in stories that aren’t the norm. Soderbergh constantly reinvents himself. Whether shooting on film or digital, or iPhones for that matter in the case of Unsane, he goes from directing big-budget studio fare to passion-project independent films while bringing a distinctive, intelligent sensibility that makes each project feel uniquely his own. The Christophers fits perfectly into that body of work, as a sly, intimate story that uses a simple premise to explore deeper ideas about art, legacy, authenticity, and human connection.
Ian McKellen is magnificent as the cantankerous, once-famous painter Julian Sklar, delivering a performance full of fire, vulnerability, and dry wit. Michaela Coel is equally outstanding as the art restorer/forger Lori, bringing an intensity and sharp intelligence that makes her character’s evolving relationship with Julian that much more compelling. Their scenes together have tension and unexpected warmth as they bond grows, with both stars delivering some of the best performances of their careers. The supporting cast, including James Corden and Jessica Gunning as Julian’s scheming kids, adds the antagonist storyline that make you sympathize with Sklar and the isolation he has imposed on himself.
The film is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, exploring regret, the impact of legacy, and how the choices we make have a much wider reach than that of just our own lives.
The film unfortunately didn’t get marketed very well, almost seeming like a heist film, with the driving purpose being the forgery of great works of art. Don’t go in expecting another Ocean’s movie of the art-world. This is a dialogue-driven film that explores the relationship of two characters, both broken, that need each other to mend. It’s a beautiful film, but can feel slow to those expecting something else.
Video
The Christophers is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1. The transfer is excellent, crisp detail and natural colors, with a unique quality that Soderbergh uses to capture the suffocating world of Ian McKellen’s character.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with dialogue front and center and subtle use of surrounds for atmosphere. The score enhances the emotional beats effectively. Nothing powerful or glamorous with this track, but sounds clear and concise for what it needs to be.
Special Features
No digital code included. Despite a conversation with the screenwriter, it’s a bit short and doesn’t satisfy my intrigue to learn more about the story. What you’ll see includes:
- Conversation with Screenwriter Ed Solomon and Charlie Kaufman
- Trailer
The Christophers on Blu-ray is a smart, moving project from Steven Soderbergh. With stellar performances from Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel, it’s a quietly powerful exploration of art and connection that lingers long after the credits. This one is out now, and any fan of the more independent films that Soderbergh creates, or fans of Ian McKellen, would have a great time with this.