Empire by David Parkinson

Exploring workers' rights in an age of mechanisation and recession, this isn't always an easy watch. But it's played with spirit, filmed with integrity and is pleasingly full of surprises.

Screen Daily by Jonathan Romney

It’s very much its own thing, intelligent and inventive if somewhat ragged round the edges

Screen International by Jonathan Romney

It’s very much its own thing, intelligent and inventive if somewhat ragged round the edges

The Film Stage by Ethan Vestby

Admirably choosing empathy for its non-actor, real-life factory worker subjects over the ironies of cinematic representation for the majority of its lengthy runtime, The Nothing Factory still doesn’t seem to offer any real astute observations at the end of the day.

The Hollywood Reporter by Boyd van Hoeij

While the film as a three-hour whole feels unbalanced, a few heart-to-heart conversations between Daniele and Ze cut directly to the core of the material, exploring the uses of fiction and lies in situations like these.

The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw

Worryingly, there is an actual film-maker in the story who appears to be intervening in the action and The Nothing Factory appears to retreat into self-reference when it could be offering concrete ideas on the issue of people keeping their jobs.

Total Film by Tom Dawson

Blurring the fiction/documentary lines (it features non-professional actors), it’s spiced with eccentricities.

Variety by Jessica Kiang

Though the intentions are pure, the combination of social-realist austerity and cinematic exuberance never coheres.