The New York Times by Glenn Kenny

Mr. Gomis’s cinematic style is spectacularly multifaceted.

Los Angeles Times by Justin Chang

If the movie’s form is a rich weave of grotty realism and soulful musical, the story itself is remarkably simple.

The A.V. Club by Mike D'Angelo

The film’s tonal range is formidable enough to suggest that this director may be a major talent who’s now emerging from relative obscurity, thanks to the Berlin prize and subsequent attention at festivals in Toronto and New York. It’s always exciting to discover someone who’s eager to toss the manuals aside.

The Film Stage by Ed Frankl

This is a formally complex work, too long perhaps and occasionally opaque in its meaning, but a daring ride to those wanting to glimpse the best of African cinema.

The New Yorker by Richard Brody

The movie is a virtual documentary of city sights and moods, and also a bitter exposé of a country without a social safety net.

Variety by Guy Lodge

Gomis’ latest is far from the miserablist issue drama that synopsis portends, instead weaving a sensual, sometimes hopeful, sometimes disturbing urban tapestry with threads of image, sound, poetry, and song.

Total Film by Philip Kemp

Alain Gomis’ film paints a lacerating picture of a raucous, dangerous city.

RogerEbert.com by Vikram Murthi

The sheer musicality of Félicité signals Gomis’ refusal to be pigeonholed into any category of filmmaker.

Village Voice by Alan Scherstuhl

Gomis’s handheld cameras work to keep up with the actors, who seem to move with rare freedom, but he also stages some exquisite and complex flourishes.

The Hollywood Reporter by Jordan Mintzer

It’s intense if somewhat choppy filmmaking, although the passion of the amateur cast and vividness of the Kinshasa locations help make up for the narrative shortcomings.

Screen Daily by Lee Marshall

Undemonstrative but at the same time oddly compelling - rather like its eponymous main character - Felicité is a challenging, perhaps overlong, but also quietly resonant slice of new African cinema.

CineVue by Patrick Gamble

Félicité is an emotionally effective heart-tugger, thanks largely to Véro Tshanda Beya's dignified lead performance.

Screen International by Lee Marshall

Undemonstrative but at the same time oddly compelling - rather like its eponymous main character - Felicité is a challenging, perhaps overlong, but also quietly resonant slice of new African cinema.

Slant Magazine by Clayton Dillard

Alain Gomis never reconciles throughout how the film's disparate parts are meant to fit together.