67
Metascore
45 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawSome of the scenes in the LA art world are a bit broad. But this is a terrifically absorbing thriller with that vodka-kick of pure malice.
- 100The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyThe Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyConfidently dovetailing three strands that depict present and past reality, as well as a dark fictional detour that functions as a blunt real-life rebuke, the film once again demonstrates that Ford is both an intoxicating sensualist and an accomplished storyteller, with as fine an eye for character detail as he has for color and composition.
- 91The Film StageRory O'ConnorThe Film StageRory O'ConnorWith everything going on, Nocturnal Animals is the sort of narrative and tonal minefield that a lesser director could easily have gotten lost in. Ford allows us to consider and cherish each unique thread and wonder just how it could all possibly come together.
- 90VarietyOwen GleibermanVarietyOwen GleibermanFord is a true moviemaker — a social observer who’s a junkie for sensation and narrative. He has structured Nocturnal Animals beautifully, so that the past feeds into the present, and fiction into reality.
- 85TheWrapAlonso DuraldeTheWrapAlonso DuraldeNocturnal Animals packs a real punch and confirms that “A Single Man” was no fluke.
- 75The PlaylistJessica KiangThe PlaylistJessica KiangFord’s attempt to synthesize the two halves of his film into a coherent whole is what sells it all short.
- 70Screen DailyFionnuala HalliganScreen DailyFionnuala HalliganAs a screenwriter, Ford has made some brave choices in a difficult, complex adaptation. As a director, though, he veers between delivering far too much, and yet not quite enough.
- 60CineVueJohn BleasdaleCineVueJohn BleasdaleIt's gorgeous, lush and fun, but there's an underlying silliness to the endeavour which, despite occasional archness, constantly threatens to trivialise events.
- 40Time Out LondonDave CalhounTime Out LondonDave CalhounIt's the fashion designer's second movie after his 2009 debut A Single Man, and this is a far more ambitious film, with its sprawling cast, various periods, layered storytelling and musings on life and art. But it's also far less endearing and coherent, and feels almost unbearably cruel and cynical.