To Olivia

The Independent by Clarisse Loughrey

True, grief is universal – but To Olivia never embraces the fact that stories draw their power from specificity. It’s what makes them feel real.

The Irish Times by Donald Clarke

The film does a good job of dragging us from the darkest valleys of tragedy towards the gently sunlit uplands.

Empire by Helen O'Hara

A well-intentioned biopic about a little-discussed but pivotal moment for both artists. If it’s never transcendent, it at least offers charming child performances, and Hawes is a particularly good fit as Neal.

The New York Times by Lisa Kennedy

How parents mourn a child’s death together — or apart — is among life’s aching mysteries. The director John Hay plumbs the poignancy well but avoids any tussling with Dahl’s legacy, tarnished by antisemitic statements.

The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw

This film comes to life in the two scenes when its hushed note of kindly reverence is broken.

The Telegraph by Tim Robey

As a straight-up redemptive sob story with no other purpose, it cooks the books.