Photograph
Amazon Studios | Release Date: May 17, 2019 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
65
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 21 Critic Reviews
Positive:
14
Mixed:
7
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
88
Paste MagazineAparita BhandariMay 15, 2019
It helps that this quiet film is stocked with actors who can carry the weight of their long silences, as well as a stellar supporting cast. Read full review
83
Christian Science MonitorPeter RainerMay 16, 2019
What Batra is reaching for here is the fairy tale beguilements of Bollywood romance but without all the hoopla. He wants to tenderize the Bollywood clichés and bring the essence of their ardor into the real, teeming world of Mumbai. Read full review
80
EmpireIan FreerJul 29, 2019
Photograph is decidedly old-fashioned and the outcome is never in doubt but the craft is impeccable, the performances low-key and likeable plus there is something persuasive about Batra’s gentle worldview, his faith in people and love restorative. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinMay 16, 2019
A lovely, charming and gently transporting journey. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterCaryn JamesFeb 1, 2019
Batra turns a story that sounds tired and goofy into a lovely film with a tone of tender sadness. Read full review
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Brad WheelerMay 30, 2019
The Mumbai-set Photograph is a gentle romance cleverly told, and not without humour. Read full review
75
The PlaylistJoe BlessingMay 17, 2019
For a romantic comedy, Photograph is a little light on romance or comedy, but it makes up for this in thoughtfulness and charm. Photograph is a wistful, old-fashioned romance for those struggling to move forward with one foot in the past. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comNell MinowMay 17, 2019
Siddiqui and Malhotra are well suited to the gentle tone of the film, both quietly expressive in scenes where everything is conveyed through posture and eyes. Read full review
75
The A.V. ClubJesse HassengerMay 13, 2019
What’s consistent about Photograph is the way it maintains the delicacy of a particularly fine short story, complete with some ghostly supporting characters and plenty of ellipses where more conventional movies would amp up the exclamation points. Read full review
75
The Film StageJordan RaupFeb 1, 2019
Throughout Photograph, Batra shows a sensitive touch and a patient eye for the subtle rhythms of human connection Read full review
70
The New York TimesAisha HarrisMay 16, 2019
If the story is familiar, the storytelling can be immersive — Batra shades in the leads and their worlds with a human specificity that makes Photograph compelling in a slice-of-life way, particularly regarding class in India. Read full review
70
Screen DailyFionnuala HalliganFeb 1, 2019
Photograph’s deliberate pace does bring some rich rewards for the patient viewer, while a lovely ending feels like a throwback to the old-fashioned big screen romances of yore. Read full review
70
VarietyGuy LodgeFeb 1, 2019
For all the complex class politics and bottled-up desires at play in its narrative, Batra’s film is perhaps a shade too timid for its own good; it touches the heart, but hovers just short of the soul. Read full review
65
TheWrapTricia OlszewskiMay 16, 2019
Miloni and Rafi’s shy romance becomes sweet because of, not despite, the languid pace of its development. Read full review
50
Movie NationRoger MooreMay 28, 2019
I love Indian cinema that gives us a sense of the ecosystems of the street, Rafi’s world. That’s the best element of Photograph. Read full review
50
Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenMay 22, 2019
Lacking a typically vivid color palette and bright song & dance routines, Photograph is almost the antithesis of a Bollywood epic. In fact, the film’s small, quiet moments are its most alluring feature, although it’s possible the film may ultimately be too quiet for its own good. Read full review
50
Boston GlobeTy BurrMay 15, 2019
Another tale of timid souls united by a sweet movie gimmick. Read full review
50
Washington PostMichael O'SullivanMay 14, 2019
Photograph goes a little too far in implementing Batra’s favored style of storytelling. Sometimes, less isn’t more, but — as in this case — not quite enough. Read full review
50
Slant MagazinePat BrownMay 14, 2019
In pushing so many seemingly crucial moments off screen, the film transforms its main characters into blank slates. Read full review
40
The Observer (UK)Simran HansAug 4, 2019
This bland, sombre love story from the director of The Lunchbox (2013) lacks that film’s flavour. Read full review
40
The GuardianPeter BradshawJun 29, 2019
It is weirdly opaque and internalised, and doesn’t ever really come to life. Read full review
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