“The Christophers” Film Review (2026)

“The Christophers” (2026) Review

Dir. Steven Soderbergh & written by Ed Solomon

This fresh and bitingly witty film is an absolute joy. Part black comedy and drama/caper; it is written by Ed Solomon and directed by Steven Soderbergh. Julian Skyler (Ian McKellen) is a famous artist who has a terminal illness and he assumes his children have recruited “a helper” for his ramshackle artist apartment (and perhaps a sneaking suspicion of something as yet undisclosed). However, his vile children Sallie Skyler (Jessica Gunning of Baby Reindeer) and Barnaby (James Corden) have hired her under a guise when in reality they wish her to find and finish Julian Skyler’s ‘The Christophers’ (a series of incomplete portraits located in his apartment) so that the siblings can make thousands of dollars upon selling these when their father passes away. 

The Christophers is an offbeat and strange little two-hander with Ian McKellen playing the artist in his waning years and Lori Butler, played by Michaela Cole as his mysterious ‘assistant’. These lead performances are both strong with rich characterisations and biting interplay with the two characters frequently going head to head which is invigorating to watch. While there is much humour between the leads, the greedy, horrid siblings are laugh out loud funny and make an impact even if they are only on screen intermittently. Much of the film is set in Skyler’s London apartment. There is a real sense of place and atmosphere which greatly strengthens the film.

Overall, the film is surprising. As a viewer you are kind of not sure where it’s heading next and it plays very much like a play (it would make a fantastic piece of theatre) yet I believe it is an original screenplay. Ed Solomon’s writing doesn’t commit to sentiment. At times it feels like a comedic thriller too, where viewers are trying to work out character motivations, and who might be double crossing whom. A few scenes are also mildly suspenseful which is helped by Soderbergh’s framing and skills behind the camera (such as the painting burning sequence).

Michaela Cole is a fascinating actress with real screen presence that I’ve only come across recently. I first saw her in David Lowery’s criminally undervalued “Mother Mary” earlier in the year. Another film that is a two-hander where she plays opposite Anne Hathaway - so the actress can really hold a film together. There is something where you can’t quite work out what’s going on behind her eyes but suspect; she’s very intriguing and definitely one to watch, and hopefully come awards season, some nominations or recognition for her two aforementioned roles.  

There are a few slight elements of ambiguity towards the end of the film. I’m not sure if I missed something or if I just need to watch the film again more closely. I really wanted to spend more time in the company of the two leads, so I would not be averse if it were a little longer (usually I’m the opposite). The film has such breadth, but I did feel the ending was slightly rushed. These are of course minor quibbles and I am thankful films are still being made for adults. 

I am giving The Christophers ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ out of five.

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You can also check out my recent review of “Disclosure Day” below as well as the trailer for The Christophers: