The Christophers
The brief
Soderbergh turns art forgery into a slick family caper that moves like clockwork, with Michaela Coel absolutely electric as the mastermind daughter who's equal parts grief and greed. The whole thing has that trademark Soderbergh rhythm where every cut feels surgical and the dialogue crackles with dark humor about legacy and money. Ian McKellen brings surprising menace as the forger who might be playing his own game, while the film maintains this constant low-level dread that something's about to go very wrong. Perfect for anyone who loved Logan Lucky or The Talented Mr. Ripley - it's crime that's more about psychology than violence.
The verdict
If you appreciate sophisticated heist films that prioritize psychological tension and sharp dialogue over action sequences, this is a must-watch showcase for Michaela Coel's commanding performance and Soderbergh's precise filmmaking. If you prefer straightforward crime thrillers with clear moral lines and explosive set pieces, you'll likely find this too cerebral and morally ambiguous for your taste.
Watch with
- 👫 Perfect for couples who love smart crime films
- 👥 Great discussion starter with film buff friends
- ⚠️ Skip if you prefer action-heavy crime movies
Heads up
- Criminal fraud and deception themes (moderate)
- Family grief and financial desperation (brief)
- Psychological manipulation (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Steven Soderbergh
- Cast
- Michaela Coel, Ian McKellen, Jessica Gunning, James Corden, Ferdy Roberts
Official synopsis
The estranged children of a once-famous artist hire a forger to complete his unfinished works so they can be
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Master (2012)
Both explore family manipulation and psychological control with Soderbergh's signature style.
Total runtime: 1h 40m + 2h 17m = 3h 57m
