60
Portman has made a film with something serious and interesting to say about Israel, a nuanced portrait of the place that demonstrates a commitment to, and connection with, her home country. This is an assured, heartfelt debut.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
60
There are undoubtedly kinks to iron out - the film has a particular problem with pacing during a section that requires careful handling - but this is a handsome and assured feature and certainly suggests a bright future behind the camera for Portman, who also stars.
45
A Tale of Love and Darkness seeks to blend serious political history and probing psychological analysis. The effort does not succeed, coming across disjointed and grim.
60
The Hollywood Reporter by Deborah Young
Writer and director Portman's film seems conflicted over whether it is about young Amos or his mother, whom she portrays as a beautiful, cultured woman with a head full of romantic fantasies.
50
Portman's screenplay shortchanges the dramatic potential of the material in favor of a by-the-numbers period piece.
42
The Playlist by Kevin Jagernauth
Portman wants to articulate something beyond the ordinary, and while she hasn’t found it in this picture, perhaps there are lessons here to be learned before she mounts her next effort.
50
The A.V. Club by Mike D'Angelo
Portman’s emotional connection to the material couldn’t be more obvious, yet the film itself is still largely inert.
50
[Portman's] drearily empathetic film lacks whatever universality has made “Tale” such an international phenomenon.
60
The Telegraph by Robbie Collin
The film feels like a personal project for Portman, but thankfully never a vanity one. It’s a fine piece of work – and you sense there’s better to come.
50
Screen International by Tim Grierson
An overly self-conscious somberness infuses the film, keeping this heartrending tale from being as poignant as it could be.