Ian McKellen’s “The Critic” Arrives In Theaters September 13

London, 1934. Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellen) is the most feared theatre critic of the age. He lives as flamboyantly as he writes and takes pleasure in savagely taking down any actor who fails to meet his standards. When the owner of the Daily Chronicle newspaper dies, and his son David Brooke (Mark Strong) takes over, Jimmy quickly finds himself at odds with his new boss and his position under threat. In an attempt to preserve the power and influence he holds so sacred, Jimmy strikes a Faustian pact with struggling actress Nina Land (Gemma Arterton), entangling them and Brooke in a thrilling but deadly web of desire, blackmail, and betrayal.

Starring Ian McKellen (“Lord of the Rings,” “Gods and Monsters”), Gemma Arterton (“Prince of Persia,” “Byzantium”), Mark Strong (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”), Ben Barnes (“Shadow and Bone”), Alfred Enoch (“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”), Romola Garai (“One Life”), and Lesley Manville (“Phantom Thread”).

Written by Patrick Marber (“Closer,” “Notes on a Scandal”).

Produced by Jolyon Symonds, Bill Kenwright, and David Gilbery.

Directed by Anand Tucker (“Hilary and Jackie,” “Shopgirl”).

In Theaters Friday, September 13th