50
Mehari’s presentation proves far too straightforward. There is little motivating the dramatic urgency aside from covering each development, despite the social issues that make the story itself so immediate.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
60
The Hollywood Reporter by Boyd van Hoeij
Quite powerful despite relying on familiar storytelling tropes.
60
Quietly compelling, but lacks finesse in its characterisation and dogged denunciation of the Ethiopian justice system
50
The unwillingness to let nuance communicate lends a flat quality to the drama here; after the initial crimes, suspense situations are simply lopped off prematurely, the action jumping clumsily to their aftermath.
70
Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan
One of Difret's strengths is the care it takes to present many of Ethiopia's traditions in a respectful way.
60
The Guardian by Leslie Felperin
It’s tempting to give this more of a pass because the subject is so noble and so few African-made films make it over here, but it has to be admitted that the some of the acting is a bit ropey and the script is a little too on-the-nose at times.
80
Village Voice by Monica Castillo
Difret is painful but profound, skirting the pitfalls of the inspirational biopic for something more grounded and remarkable. Its authenticity extends beyond its central characters, conveying a very real sense of what is at stake.
60
The New York Times by Nicolas Rapold
Shot in sunny locales, Difret has an earnestness that hovers between plain-spoken and pedestrian, and there are scenes and sequences that just don’t come together as written and edited, no matter how admirable the film’s existence is.
60
Time Out London by Trevor Johnston
It’s just a shame the film is slightly ragged, with a tendency to preach when there’s more than enough drama to get the point across. Still, it’s an important story, told with commitment.