‘The Christophers’ – Steven Soderbergh Paints a Wicked Picture of Art, Ego and Deception – Review
There was a collective sigh of relief when Steven Soderbergh’s long-discussed retirement never came to pass. One of modern cinema’s most restless creative minds, Soderbergh has continued to move effortlessly between independent and studio filmmaking, consistently delivering works that challenge convention and refuse to be easily categorised. Now he returns with The Christophers, a daring genre-blending black comedy that explores art, legacy and ego with wickedly entertaining results.
Art, Legacy and a Dangerous Proposition
Part drama, part thriller and part razor-sharp comedy, The Christophers keeps audiences guessing from beginning to end. Soderbergh demonstrates complete command of his material, weaving together unexpected twists, biting humour and character-driven intrigue into a film that constantly surprises.
The story centres on eccentric artist Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen), a once-celebrated painter who now lives in relative obscurity, sustained largely by the reputation of his legendary series of works known as The Christophers. As his health declines, his opportunistic children Barnaby (James Corden) and Sallie (Jessica Gunning) see an opportunity to profit from their father’s legacy.
Their scheme involves hiring talented art restorer Lori Butler (Michaela Coel) to forge an unfinished third series of paintings after Sklar’s death. But Lori has motivations of her own, and what follows becomes a fascinating battle of wills between artist and would-be forger.
McKellen and Coel Command the Canvas
While the premise is compelling, The Christophers truly thrives on its performances, particularly the electric pairing of McKellen and Coel.
McKellen delivers another masterclass in screen acting as the cantankerous Julian Sklar. Equal parts Falstaff and Richard III, Sklar is loud, bitter, endlessly theatrical and possessed of a razor-sharp intellect. A man trapped by both his reputation and his regrets, he lashes out at the world while desperately clinging to relevance. McKellen attacks the role with complete freedom, creating a character who is as frustrating as he is utterly captivating to watch.
Standing toe-to-toe with him is Michaela Coel, who delivers one of the film’s most nuanced performances. As Lori Butler, she projects a quiet confidence and intelligence that masks deeper emotional complexities. Her relationship with Sklar is layered with tension, curiosity and unspoken history, creating a dynamic that keeps audiences invested throughout.
Meanwhile, James Corden and Jessica Gunning provide plenty of laughs as Sklar’s shamelessly opportunistic children. Their relentless pursuit of profit and control adds another layer of chaos to an already combustible situation.
A Wicked Game of Artistic Chess
What makes The Christophers so entertaining is the constant game of artistic chess being played between its central characters. While not a traditional thriller, the film carries an undercurrent of mystery and suspense that continually pulls viewers deeper into its narrative.
Every revelation, confrontation and shift in power adds fresh intrigue to the proceedings, while the sharp dialogue and dark humour ensure that the tension never becomes overbearing. Instead, Soderbergh allows the audience to revel in the escalating battle of egos as artist, forger and opportunists all attempt to outmanoeuvre one another.
Final Verdict: Creativity Through the Soderbergh Lens
Visually, the film is equally engaging. Soderbergh embraces the chaotic energy of the artistic process, using Sklar’s cluttered townhouse and studio spaces as extensions of his fractured personality. Rich textures, vibrant colours and carefully crafted visual details immerse audiences in a world where creativity and obsession exist side by side.
Filled with dramatic intrigue, biting comedy and two outstanding lead performances, The Christophers is a delightfully unconventional cinematic experience. Smart, unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining, it’s exactly the kind of bold, original filmmaking that reminds audiences why Steven Soderbergh remains one of cinema’s most exciting creative voices.
Image: Roadshow Films
