AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on July 14, 2026, 05:11:32 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/ZAi1x0m.jpeg)
Studio: Decal - Neon
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Rating: R
Film: 3/5
Plot
A once-celebrated artist's children enlist a forger to access his unfinished canvases in a deceptive bid to secure an inheritance.
My Thoughts
Steven Soderbergh broke into the industry by directing music videos, but it was in 1989 that his film Sex, Lies, and Videotape that put him on the map and earning him his first Oscar nomination as a writer. He would eventually win an Oscar as a director for Traffic in 2001, but he was also nominated for Best Director for Erin Brockovich in the same year. Needless to say, he is not lazy with a total of 56 credits to his name as a director according to IMDB.
This film is a deliberate character study that takes a long time to unfold. The pacing is a bit slow, especially in the first act, but it does have a decent payoff at the end. The film relies heavily on the performances of its two leads, Ian McKellen as the washed-up artist Julian Sklar, and Michaela Coel as his home helper. From their first scene together, you can feel the tension that’s building between them and the two actors really leaning into their roles. My wife gave up on the film after 20-minutes, but I stuck with it and found it mostly worth my time as it explores themes of regret, manipulation, and how our own versions of the truth can be obscured from the truth.
The Blu-ray presentation is very good with a clean transfer. Colors are natural and the interior scenes feature solid detail. The Dolby Atmos track is well-balanced, with clear dialogue and effectively uses the surrounds for environmental ambience and some score bleed. Overall, it’s a quite film and the mix is appropriately restrained to make the story the center point of the presentation.
Video 4/5
Audio 4/5 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:
- Conversation with Screenwriter Ed Soloman and Charlie Kaufman
- Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2d1x7VuDmo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2d1x7VuDmo)
Conclusion
This is a well-made character drama that harkens back to the days of arthouse films before the advent of streaming. It offers strong performances from the leads and while it’s a bit slow-going at first, there’s a decent payoff at the end. While the deliberate pacing may not be for everyone, fans of Soderbergh’s work will probably find it worthwhile. I’d give it a rental before committing to the purchase because I’m not sure there’s enough in here to warrant repeat viewings.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' (https://www.portrait.com/) Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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I was on the fence about this one after watching the trailer, but I'll have to give it a chance now.
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Greetings,
I found this to be a solid character study focused on two very different archetypes. I gave it 4/5. Nice review Dave!
Regards,
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Greetings,
I found this to be a solid character study focused on two very different archetypes. I gave it 4/5. Nice review Dave!
Regards,
Thanks Ralph.