Embattled
IFC Films | Release Date: November 20, 2020 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
56
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 8 Critic Reviews
Positive:
3
Mixed:
5
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
Film ThreatLorry KiktaDec 17, 2020
The script, written by David McKenna, is extremely impactful, as are the performances. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesMichael OrdoñaNov 18, 2020
In Embattled, the human side feels explored, as if the film could have been made without the MMA scenes and still been a worthwhile watch. But it does have those adrenaline-injecting fights, so … all the better. Read full review
67
The Film StageJared MobarakNov 22, 2020
Don’t expect to find yourself on track to the usual happy ending—or usual sad one for that matter. Many of the stops will seem familiar, but the ways in which they’re experienced are authentic and perhaps even surprising. Read full review
60
The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckNov 20, 2020
Unfortunately, the talented actor, while delivering a fiercely compelling performance, is let down by the formulaic screenplay by David McKenna, who explored similarly abrasive territory with such previous efforts as "American History X" and "Blow." Read full review
60
The New York TimesBen KenigsbergNov 19, 2020
When it’s showing its sensitive side, the film, scripted by David McKenna (“American History X”) and directed by Nick Sarkisov, unexpectedly shines. Read full review
50
RogerEbert.comRobert DanielsNov 20, 2020
The father-son drama in Embattled might win some rounds, but the abundance of clichés leads to a loss overall. Read full review
50
VarietyGuy LodgeNov 18, 2020
At several points in Georgian director Nick Sarkisov’s roaring, blood-and-guts film, it’s hard not to wish it would take things down a notch: A hokey, old-fashioned father-son meller clothed in a younger man’s bling-encrusted robes, it increasingly sacrifices emotional credibility for the violent, amped-up bravado of MMA itself. Read full review
50
Slant MagazineDerek SmithNov 16, 2020
The film muddies its sense of moral righteousness by suggesting that violence and vengeance can only be defeated by more of the same. Read full review
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