1985
Wolfe Releasing | Release Date: October 26, 2018 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
71
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews
Positive:
8
Mixed:
1
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
The New York TimesGlenn KennyOct 25, 2018
Cory Michael Smith’s performance as Adrian is a quiet marvel in a movie that’s superbly acted all around. The film’s intimate consideration of still-enormous issues is intelligent, surprising and emotionally resonant. Read full review
90
Los Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinOct 23, 2018
Chiklis is first-rate as Adrian’s tough, deceptively aware Vietnam-vet father, while Madsen’s gentle, luminous portrayal of a deeply adoring mother is heartbreakingly authentic — and utterly award-worthy. Read full review
88
RogerEbert.comMatt Zoller SeitzOct 26, 2018
It feels immediate and rings true, thanks to the performances of its lead actors, and the storytelling of director Yen Tan and his co-writer, co-editor. and cinematographer, the single-named Hutch. Read full review
80
The Observer (UK)Simran HansDec 25, 2018
Malaysian-born writer-director Yen Tan shoots stylishly in black and white 16mm, each frame a tasteful photograph. What’s most skilful, though, is the way he succeeds in complicating archetypes. Read full review
80
TheWrapDan CallahanMar 15, 2018
1985 is a film that is full of virtues, not least the acting talent of its cast, who are all expert at conveying a lot of subtext underneath words and physical behavior. It seems clear that Tan (“Pit Stop”) has worked with his actors very closely and sensitively, and he has won deeply felt work from them. Read full review
75
IndieWireJude DryMar 15, 2018
Writer-director Yen Tan renders Adrian’s world with understated intensity; each frame feels so precise, as if the scenery is holding its breath along with Adrian. Every silence, every space left open, echoes the liminal moments between what the characters say and what they mean. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyMar 15, 2018
Tan's screenplay — from a story he developed with his mononymous producer, cinematographer and co-editor, HutcH — doesn't entirely avoid cliche. But the integrity of the performances, the believability of the relationships and the authenticity of the milieu keep it from spilling over into mawkishness. Read full review
63
Movie NationRoger MooreOct 25, 2018
There’s little that’s new here, but the performances give this time capsule picture heart, with Madsen, Smith and Chiklis taking their archetypal characters beyond “type.” Read full review
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