"The Christophers" REVIEW

Published on 5/1/2026 

Written by: Braylon Mitchell 

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh 

Cast: Ian McKellan, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning, James Corden, etc. 

Plot:  The children of a once famous artist hire a forger to complete some unfinished, long ago abandoned canvases so they'll have an inheritance when he dies. 

REVIEW 

I was surpised by how much I responded to this film. Based off reviews out of last year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the trailer, I knew I'd probably enjoy the film well enough but I didn't expect to be as entertained and as moved as I was. Similar to a lot of the low budget, big name star projects that filmmaker Steven Soderbergh has been cranking out almost every year of the 2020s so far, this film isn't made up of an army of working parts or anything like that- it's a small scale film telling a small scale story, by all means as a film it's relatively simple and because of that it carried a lot of charm for me. As a character study on the fictional reputation/legacy of a controversial artist and the differing perceptions of art & artists, this film succeeds at conveying rich depth within those themes but it really shines due to the central relationship between our two lead characters played brilliantly by Ian McKellan and Micheala Coel. Their friendship is handled excellently, establishing their connection to each other with scattered expository pieces throughout and very down to earth in the ways that over a small course of time they exercise revealing truths about each other- making their bond one that is often combative, but deeply meaningful and necessary for both. This film takes its time, and uses its time wisely- balancing very well its lightness and ease with Ed Solomon's cracking and humorous script. I could think of this film as just good and call it a day, but it has just enough to take away from it that is genuine in emotional intrigue and strong character work that I'd call it a very good, if not, great film. 

THREE BEST ELEMENTS

• Ian McKellan's performance. This role seemed like it was designed for McKellan, so unsurprisingly he gives an oustanding performance. McKellan is an actor who's rarely not at the top of his game, throughout his illustrious career on both stage and screen delivering great performance after great performance- in the process, receiving two Oscar nominations and bringing to life one of the most iconic movie characters of the 21st century with his portrayal of Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" trilogies. With this performance, it comes across as McKellan simply having fun- an actor late in life that's so tune in with himself and his acting skills that he can release complete playfulness. Granted, it's a very well written character with that playfulness built into the role but it all comes alive with personality and emotional layers due to McKellan's incredible performance. It's some of the very best work of his career, this is the type of role and film that actors of his age & high caliber deserve. 

• Micheala Coel's performance. This has been a Coel-weekend for me, as she also starred in "Mother Mary" which released in theaters this weekend as well. I love it. She's a very good actress who hasn't had this much attention since her excellent 2020 limited series "I May Destroy You" that won her an Emmy for writing- and after seeing her performances in these two films this weekend, I hope it doesn't take her that long to book more major roles. She's great in this film, very restrained with emotion and understanding of her character. 

• The cinematography. Continuing Steven Soderbergh's recent stint as both director and cinematographer for his films, I've got to say that I really respond to how he moves the camera. Simple, live and in the moment, and seamless yet artistically interesting enough to those paying active attention. Not to mention, much of the film takes place in a cramped apartment yet the movement of the camera never feels constricted by that. 

WORST ELEMENT 

• The stakes within the plot are quite low. I didn't have much of an issue with that, but I acknowledge that this film's slightness could be idenfited as its worst element. 

RATING

8/10

You should watch it, buddy!