An Acceptable Loss
IFC Films | Release Date: January 18, 2019 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
40
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews
Positive:
2
Mixed:
4
Negative:
5
Watch Now
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperJan 25, 2019
An Acceptable Loss is a B-movie with some A-level acting, particularly by Tika Sumpter. Read full review
63
Slant MagazineDerek SmithJan 16, 2019
Writer-director Joe Chappelle’s An Acceptable Loss is a B movie with a morally urgent message. Read full review
50
New York Magazine (Vulture)David EdelsteinJan 17, 2019
So-so quasi-thriller. Read full review
40
Los Angeles TimesMichael RechtshaffenJan 24, 2019
There’s the kernel of an intriguing political thriller buried beneath all the strained exposition and pompous speechifying enveloping An Acceptable Loss, but writer-director Joe Chappelle never manages to find it. Read full review
40
The New YorkerAnthony LaneJan 21, 2019
In short, it’s up to Curtis to rescue the film. She’s meant to be the villain, but her lines, even the motley ones (“The stars aligned, we slayed the dragon, and we won”), are delivered with such a delectable thwack that I kept forgetting to boo. Read full review
40
The New York TimesTeo BugbeeJan 17, 2019
For a political thriller to come up with a scheme that feels genuinely rousing, An Acceptable Loss would need the two qualities it most severely lacks: style and substance. Read full review
38
RogerEbert.comTomris LafflyJan 18, 2019
While Chappelle neatly outlines the tragic events caused by his spiritually bruised protagonist, it’s hard to stay engaged with his philosophical query that divides arguments into distinct rights and wrongs early on, and only asks shallow questions. Read full review
38
Movie NationRoger MooreJan 15, 2019
An Acceptable Risk is “Scandal” with less sex and fewer fireworks. Almost no fireworks, to be honest. Read full review
30
Arizona RepublicSamantha IncorvaiaJan 23, 2019
People who love thrillers without question may find a lot to enjoy here. For a political thriller, it's not one of the most cerebral out there. Those who simply love Curtis and Sumpter might also like the film. But other than those perks, audiences are better off saving their money. Read full review
30
Film ThreatChuck FosterJan 17, 2019
What could have explored the real complexities behind a serious issue instead became a self-congratulatory pat on the back for holding a specific viewpoint, and a boring one at that. Read full review
30
The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckJan 16, 2019
This talky, ham-fisted effort proves particularly disappointing because it should have been much better than it is. Read full review
More From This Movie

40 Critic Reviews

5.8 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 72 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL