60
Village Voice by Alan Scherstuhl
It's a mistake, I think, that the movie never addresses the fact that a camera crew is following Shaw around.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
50
Slant Magazine by Clayton Dillard
The peculiar circumstances of the documentary necessitate more transparency than the filmmaker is willing to offer.
91
Thru You Princess develops a fairy tale quality that calls into question the nature of its production. However, the air of manipulation throughout the story only helps to pronounce its themes.
75
The Film Stage by Jared Mobarak
How a documentary about the genesis of an artist’s album can evolve into a narrative about another’s perseverance with great things happening to great people is anyone’s guess, but here it is.
80
The Guardian by Jordan Hoffman
Most people will find Thru You Princess inspirational. A few will find it infuriating. But that’s frequently the case with a good documentary.
80
The Hollywood Reporter by Leslie Felperin
Some viewers may feel a little uneasy watching her being almost "catfished" by the deception, even if it turns out to be a delightful surprise, and a real emotional money shot when it finally lands.
75
This film barely brushes up against the many, many issues it raises, but those conversations can be had in the lobby, after the pleasure of watching an underappreciated artist finally get her due.
90
That rare Princess whose wishes do come true, Montgomery’s what is known as a “genuine discovery.”
88
Miami Herald by Rene Rodriguez
The emotional connection we develop with her as the movie unfolds pays off in the final 20 minutes, which is about as happy of an ending as anyone could imagine, except this one really happened.
75
A refreshingly positive ode to the power of the Internet to bring far-flung artists together and change lives in the process.