The Critic

LONDON, 1934
David Brooke (Mark Strong) has recently inherited his father’s title and a national institution: The Daily Chronicle. Unlike his father, Brooke is a reformer and immediately makes changes to compete with rival newspaper, The Daily Mail. Jimmy Erskine (Sir Ian McKellen) is the most famous and feared theatre critic of the age. He’s worked at the paper for more than half a lifetime. Jimmy has the power to make or break careers; he’s an influencer and tastemaker par excellence. However, Jimmy doesn’t fit in with Brooke’s new vision; he’s no family man and his colourful behaviour and outspoken manner soon land him in trouble. In particular, Brooke is infuriated by Jimmy’s cruel notice for a young actress, Nina Land (Gemma Arterton). Brooke issues Jimmy a final warning…

THE CRITIC is a thrilling story of ambition, blackmail and desire with a dazzling anti-hero at its dark
heart. A whodunit wrapped in a Faustian pact, which winds tighter and tighter.