The Critic trailer: A theatre critic and an actor strike a mutually beneficial deal

The trailer for The Critic starring Ian McKellen in the titular role was unveiled on Tuesday. The film, also starring Gemma Arterton and Mark Strong in lead roles, is directed by Anand Tucker.

The trailer shows Jimmy Erskine (McKellan) as a very tough-to-impress critic, who is almost always critical of Nina Land's (Arterton) performances, costing her career. However, Erskine finds himself striking a deal with Land to change her reputation, if she helps him change an allegation against him calling him homosexual.

Lesley Manville, Romola Garai, Ben Barnes, Alfred Enoch, Nikesh Patel, Jay Simpson, Claire Skinner and Rebecca Gethings round out the cast of The Critic. Written by Patrick Marber, the film is based on Curtain Call by Anthony Quinn.

The Critic, backed by True Brit Entertainment and Lionsgate, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September last year. The film will open in theatres on September 13, 2024.