90
Applause may present as gritty European realism, but the struggle inside Thea is almost theological in scale, and worthy of Milton or Kierkegaard.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
80
Los Angeles Times by Betsy Sharkey
It is a singular performance and a deeply affecting if imperfect film.
60
Her (Steen) emotional acrobatics are reason enough to sit through Applause's parade of pain, though it's a movie to admire rather than enjoy.
40
New York Daily News by Joe Neumaier
Steen, her face full of remorse, does a great job of portraying someone unclear of where to go or what to say without a script.
91
Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum
In his debut feature, the director is wise enough to move his hand-held camera wherever Steen wants to go.
50
The New York Times by Manohla Dargis
When an actress gives herself as wholly as Ms. Steen does here, a filmmaker should return the favor with a comparable level of craft and commitment, which is largely absent from this movie.
60
Village Voice by Melissa Anderson
Usually an enervating process to witness onscreen, Steen's subtle calibrations of self-hatred and raging narcissism exhilarate.
75
Zandvliet's direction lacks Steen's gradations. The handheld, rubbed-raw style wears thin after a while, growing monotonous and wearying.
60
The Hollywood Reporter by Sheri Linden
The simple but affecting film begins a weeklong award-qualifying run Friday before opening in stateside art houses Jan. 21, and is worth a look for its gutsy and commanding central performance.
70
Movieline by Stephanie Zacharek
A small movie with modest ambitions, and accordingly, it packs only a modest emotional punch.