Poetic License

Name: Poetic License
Genre: Comedy
Released: October 16, 2026
Duration: 117 min
Rating: 77

2026

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 7 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

No score yet

tbd

RELEASE DATE: October 16, 2026

Movie Details & Credits

| Release Date: October 16, 2026 | Not Rated

Summary: Two inseparable best friends, Sam and Ari, start to unravel as they compete for the affection of Liz, the middle-aged mom auditing their college poetry workshop.

Genre(s): Comedy

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 117 min

See All Details and Credits

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

IndieWire Esther Zuckerman

Sep 13, 2025

Apatow shoots her mother with obvious affection, especially in her scenes opposite Dora. Yet, it’s the dudes who steal the show. Feldman and Hoffman have that magnetic chemistry. Read full review

Collider Tania Hussain

Sep 15, 2025

Poetic License is one of the smartest, most heartfelt films of the year. It never tries too hard, is sentimental without being gooey, and is brilliantly anchored by an ensemble that makes the movie truly sparkle. If this is what Apatow is delivering with her first film, we can’t wait to see what she does next. Read full review

The Guardian Richard Lawson

Sep 13, 2025

Poetic License is far from mere pastiche. It has a distinct, youthful sensibility and sources its comedy more from recognisably human behaviour than from profane, one-liner riffing. Read full review

Screen Rant Rachel LaBonte

Sep 13, 2025

Poetic License has a classic sort of feel that makes it a very enjoyable watch. It keeps a good pace, mixes the heart with the hilarious, and spotlights an incredible collection of performers. Read full review

The Playlist Gregory Ellwood

Sep 13, 2025

It’s super funny, the performances are natural, and the whole endeavor is beyond charming. It’s a movie clearly meant to fit into the studio comedy mold, so it goes down easy. Read full review

Jourdain Searles

Sep 13, 2025

Mann, Hoffman and Feldman are clearly having a good time, and their comedic chemistry carries the film. But for the most part, Poetic License feels just as aimless as Liz, wandering from scene to scene without much of a vision. Read full review

Next Best Picture David Cuevas

Sep 19, 2025

Ultimately, what you see is exactly what you get with Poetic License – an average American comedy that unremarkably plays it safe. Read full review

SEE ALL 7 REVIEWS

User Score

tbd

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

User reviews are not available for this movie until October 16, 2026.