60
Family traumas and terrible lies permeate co-directors Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer’s drama, which is given a bedrock of emotional authenticity by screenwriter Shane Crowley and is exceptionally acted.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
70
The Hollywood Reporter by David Rooney
The evocative sense of a place frozen in time and the raw feelings behind the family dynamic ultimately carry the film
70
Screen Daily by Fionnuala Halligan
Emily Watson leads the cast delivering, yet again, a stinging reminder of her talent.
67
The Playlist by Gregory Ellwood
While the entire cast is superb, it’s the rich performances from Watson and Mescal who elevate the material beyond that aforementioned air of familiarity.
70
The film’s formal flourishes are modest, centering the actors ahead of all else.
67
This is Aileen’s story and when “God’s Creatures” makes the odd choice to turn away from her just as things are reaching a fever pitch, it dilutes the power of both her performance and the film itself. She’s gone mad, but God’s Creatures isn’t willing to follow her there, perhaps the craziest choice of all.
80
Atlantic cod and oyster beds provide a pungent backdrop for this effective fillet of atmospheric psychological drama.
60
The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw
It is a tough story, told with conviction.
75
The Film Stage by Rory O'Connor
Making every moment grim is to risk over-saturation, but Davis and Holmer’s deft direction keeps things compelling here, skilfully leaving plenty of things unsaid and with the confidence to allow key events to happen offscreen or in the margins.