67
Metascore
13 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80The DissolveTasha RobinsonThe DissolveTasha RobinsonCulkin’s terrifically effective performance and Howe’s pitch-perfect writing and directing make Gabriel the kind of insightful, empathetic project that makes cineastes feel good about feeling bad.
- 80New York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierNew York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierRory Culkin’s turn in the deeply felt and haunting Gabriel is so powerful you can’t look away.
- 75The A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloThe A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloGabriel, the first feature written and directed by Lou Howe, gives Culkin an opportunity to demonstrate serious range, and he takes full advantage; if this film doesn’t ignite his career, it’ll only be because too few people see it.
- 75RogerEbert.comMatt Zoller SeitzRogerEbert.comMatt Zoller SeitzGabriel isn't a perfect movie, but it's a great reminder of what movies can do, and used to do often, until American movies decided to concentrate mainly on spectacle and franchise building and leave characterization to TV.
- 70The New York TimesDaniel M. GoldThe New York TimesDaniel M. GoldThis film maintains its anxious themes throughout, which makes for some tedious stretches because the tension never breaks. Despite that, or maybe because of it, Gabriel is unexpectedly absorbing.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyThe Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyThe intense, uncomfortable drama’s downbeat nature is offset to a degree by the sensitivity of its observation, but the film serves primarily as a showcase for the emotionally raw lead performance of Rory Culkin.
- 60VarietyRonnie ScheibVarietyRonnie ScheibAn admirable if downbeat character study, Gabriel still sinks into a psychological quagmire.
- 60Los Angeles TimesRobert AbeleLos Angeles TimesRobert AbeleCulkin's performance is never exploitative. His eyes often say everything, appearing simultaneously laser-focused and distant — he can't reconcile his brain with the world.
- 50Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreA moody, intimate character study filmed and performed in shades of grey.
- 38Slant MagazineClayton DillardSlant MagazineClayton DillardThe film wants to reveal the anguish of mental illness and infiltrate the mind of its protagonist through constant affirmation of his pain.