76
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88RogerEbert.comGodfrey CheshireRogerEbert.comGodfrey CheshireOne of the strongest aspects of The Student is that, while its view of Venya’s beliefs is decidedly skeptical, it doesn’t ridicule him or suggest that others are immune to his Biblical zealotry.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterLeslie FelperinThe Hollywood ReporterLeslie FelperinOffers both a universally relevant examination of religious zealotry and, at the same time, a damning, satirical look at modern Russia, a country whose major institutions have become increasingly dominated and cowed by medieval-minded reactionaries and bigots.
- 80Time Out LondonCath ClarkeTime Out LondonCath ClarkeThere is surely a sly attack here on the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin’s suppression of liberal values and demonisation of the LGBT community. As the tension escalates, there are some poking between the ribs questions too about free speech and facts in the post-truth era.
- 80Total FilmPhilip KempTotal FilmPhilip KempSkvortsov gives a scarily grim-faced performance, with biology teacher Elena (Viktoriya Isakova) increasingly beleaguered as the only one resisting him.
- If The Student lacks the searing moral exactness of the Russian literature on which it draws, it’s an often hypnotic warning against dogma’s eternal allure.
- 75Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreThe Student makes a chilling allegory for the post-fact age (Russia invented it, remember), and a cautionary tale for cultures everywhere. There’s such a thing as being too tolerant of the intolerant.
- 70Screen DailySarah WardScreen DailySarah WardThe end result proves commanding and fascinating, even if it’s not wholly satisfying from start to finish.
- 60CineVueJohn BleasdaleCineVueJohn BleasdaleA dark and slightly hysterical portrait of fundamentalist fever.
- 50The Film StageThe Film StageEven if it is visually up to the task, The Student is hobbled by its script and hog tied by its characters.