The Beloved
A Contracorriente Films | Release Date: TBA CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
76
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Critic Reviews
Positive:
10
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
The PlaylistElena LazicMay 20, 2026
Far from defending the behavior of this abusive artist, Sorogoyen exposes him as trapped between his memories and his imagination. Read full review
100
Time OutPhil de SemlyenMay 18, 2026
The Beloved is a fabulous film about filmmaking, and an astute and hard-hitting one about family dynamics. It’s also a great argument that the two should be kept apart at all times. Read full review
83
The Film StageJan TraczMay 20, 2026
Reminiscent of Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, this film promises less and then gives more than one would have expected—yet another vivisection of family animosities and the importance of art in their lives. Read full review
80
VarietyOwen GleibermanMay 16, 2026
It’s been a while since Bardem had a role this straight-up that he could sink his choppers into. He is always a formidable presence, but since Esteban is himself a force — charismatic and manipulative, ruthless but cunningly quiet about it — for a while we just feel like we’re watching Javier Bardem in all his handsome, magnetic and unmistakable aggro Javier glory. The subtle power of his performance, and it’s a terrific one, is that it takes us a while to grasp the kind of mind games Esteban is a master of. Read full review
80
Screen DailyWendy IdeMay 16, 2026
Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s superbly acted and dramatically compelling study of generational rifts, gender divides and the deep, unhealing scars in a father-daughter relationship has a muscular, propulsive momentum. Read full review
80
The GuardianPeter BradshawMay 16, 2026
It is a fierce rejection of anything starry-eyed about movie-making and a quietly gripping psychological study of a painful confrontation between father and daughter. Read full review
75
AwardsWatchBrandon LewisJun 5, 2026
Through Esteban and Emilia’s troubled shoot, we get a glimpse of what must be sacrificed – ego, pride, creative control – to achieve reconciliation. Given what we’re talking about, it’s a wonder that films manage to get made at all. In that vein, perhaps The Beloved, like its fictional and real-life forebears, confirms that moviemaking truly is a miracle. Read full review
70
IONCINEMA.comNicholas BellMay 17, 2026
Despite the potential grueling running time for such a specific and intimate narrative thrust, Sorogoyen presents something nothing short of fascinating in how creation allows for its own powerful form of catharsis. Read full review
70
TheWrapChase HutchinsonMay 17, 2026
It writes what can feel like the equivalent of a hate letter to the movies (or at least the potential for abuse that can come from how they’re made) before eventually coming to his own halting emotional upswing about the enduring power they still hold. Read full review
70
Next Best PictureCody DericksMay 16, 2026
Sorogoyen’s film meanders, and some of his visual flourishes are more puzzling than profound. Still, the two lead performances and one superb scene later in the film elevate the entire affair. Read full review
60
The Hollywood ReporterJordan MintzerMay 16, 2026
Even if its elements don’t always gel, The Beloved offers another prime showcase for Sorogoyen’s art of unease, as well as for Bardem’s talent for playing men who can fly off the handle at any moment. Read full review
58
IndieWireRyan LattanzioMay 17, 2026
Esteban is a black hole that sucks out all the air from the space around anyone in his midst; Bardem’s perpetually alpha aura makes for a great match to the material. His performance is terrific and internalized as ever, bringing vulnerability and edge to a stereotype. Read full review
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