65
Metascore
41 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83IndieWireKate ErblandIndieWireKate ErblandBolstered by real events and true emotion, A United Kingdom opts for genuine, hard-won feeling, and the film studiously backs off from cheesy moments or over-the-top revelations.
- 80The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawMaybe any biopic risks naïveté in suggesting the agony of postwar Africa can be soothed by a love story about a handsome prince. But this movie has candour, heartfelt self-belief, and an unfashionable conviction that love conquers all - though not immediately.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterDeborah YoungThe Hollywood ReporterDeborah YoungThough Asante is no stylist or and no very deep psychologist, she is adept at reaching an audience through direct storytelling.
- 75ConsequenceSarah KurchakConsequenceSarah KurchakA United Kingdom hits all of the necessary emotional notes and political intrigue of a solid historical figure drama.
- 67The Film StageJared MobarakThe Film StageJared MobarakSeretse and Ruth eventually stop being individuals, transforming instead into a concept of strength and unity bolstering the real plot despite initially seeming as though they were building it.
- 60ScreenCrushE. Oliver WhitneyScreenCrushE. Oliver WhitneyThe real treasure of A United Kingdom is the tender chemistry between Oyelowo and Pike, whose scenes together offer the film’s best moments.
- 60The TelegraphRobbie CollinThe TelegraphRobbie CollinPike and Oyelowo have a hearty, wholemeal chemistry together, and play their small moments with sincerity and a light elegance.
- 60Time Out LondonTom HuddlestonTime Out LondonTom HuddlestonA United Kingdom is just a little too cosy and sentimental for its own good.
- 50VarietyPeter DebrugeVarietyPeter DebrugeThese two are meant to be together, as the film’s clever title suggests, though all the truly interesting things they accomplished happen only after that reunion.