A sly caper carried off with director Steven Soderbergh's characteristic panache, The Christophers is a superb two-hander and a return to form for the stalwart indie director.
Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen) was once a star of London’s 1960s and '70s pop art explosion, but he hasn’t painted in decades and has been broke for years. His two estranged children (James Corden, Jessica Gunning), desperate for an inheritance, hire Lori, an art restorer and former forger (Michaela Coel), to pose as a prospective assistant in order to access eight unfinished canvases Julian has buried deep in storage. Her plan is to complete them, then return them to storage, where they are to be “discovered” upon Julian’s death. [100 min; comedy, drama; English]
This program is presented in partnership with the Eskenazi Museum of Art. After the screening, a 30-minute discussion themed around the film will take place at the museum. More details to come!
"The double act of McKellen and Coel has the onscreen chemistry of the year." — Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
"McKellen and Coel give a master class in line readings throughout The Christophers. It’s a real pleasure watching two seasoned actors bounce off each other in service to creating their characters. It’s even more delightful to see this in a film made for adults that has plenty to say about human nature, love, and the inspirations that fuel our lives." — Odie Henderson, The Boston Globe
"For all the undercurrents about fame, commodification, and reputation that flow through The Christophers, at its core is a more plaintive lament about what it feels like to love something that doesn’t love you back." — Alison Willmore, New York Magazine/Vulture
Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.
