42
While the movie works to depict how kindness breeds kindness, even in the cruelest of environments, it spends much of the time watching its motley collection of lost souls chase their own tails.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
30
The Hollywood Reporter by David Rooney
As a supposed snapshot of life in the unaccommodating big city, and of the humane gestures that can soften that harshness, it feels utterly synthetic, not to mention a romantically "European" view of New York that's sheer nonsense.
40
Too much of the kindness in “Strangers” feels sentimentally story-dictated rather than born of profound human observation, leaving you with mild, woolly good feeling but little to contemplate or chew on.
38
The film’s repetitive and lifeless dialogue robs otherwise charismatic performers of distinguishing characteristics.
40
The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw
The Kindness of Strangers is one of those terrible ideas for a film: ensemble dramas that are superficially attractive because of all the big names shoehorned into the cast-list.
25
The Film Stage by Rory O'Connor
In spite of it all, the cast members do themselves justice for the most and I couldn’t help but be charmed by Riseborough’s wide-eyed decency as she hosts her frequent “forgiveness” meetings–not to mention be seduced by Nighy’s signature suave detachment.
50
Screen International by Wendy Ide
It’s a big-hearted picture, certainly, but one that doggedly labours its message.