Pawlikowski has made a romance that becomes a horror movie in which love, more than anything around it, is a delusionary fever to fear.
100
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Superbly acted, movingly written, and directed with a tough-minded lyricism rarely found in today's films. A summer movie to love.
90
NewsweekDavid Ansen
NewsweekDavid Ansen
Press and Blunt are major discoveries: in this sly and wonderfully atmospheric gem, they conjure up the role-playing raptures of youth with perfect poetic pitch.
Some of the metaphors are a bit too literal but the director largely succeeds with his story and the surprises are convincing. Best of all the film has a terrific sense of humor and the young actresses exploit it delightfully.
80
The A.V. ClubKeith Phipps
The A.V. ClubKeith Phipps
Pawlikowski's off-balance compositions and affection for odd close-ups suggest the influence of Wong Kar-Wai, but the film's low-key observational spirit owes as much to Mike Leigh.
80
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Remains highly watchable throughout, for its atmosphere and the actors.
70
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
Slowly evolves into an oddly affecting mood piece.