Look for Analysis, Not Just Adjectives
The first wave of festival reviews is often a race to plant a flag with the most breathless superlatives possible: “masterpiece,” “triumph,” “tour de force.” While exciting, these words don't tell you much. The best reviews dig into the mechanics of the film.
Look for critics who explain why something works. Do they break down the cinematography, the structure of the screenplay, or the specific choices an actor made? Reviews that focus on craft and theme will give you a far better sense of the film's texture and intent than those that simply shout from the rooftops. A critic explaining how a director builds tension is more useful than one just calling the film “suspenseful.”
Separate the Film from the ‘Narrative’
Festivals are where awards-season narratives are born. Is this a director’s big comeback? Is a beloved actor “due” for a nomination? Is a studio trying to position a film as the year’s most important social statement? Sometimes, the story around the film can overshadow the film itself. For example, buzz is already building around Robert Pattinson's transformative role in “Primetime,” with many seeing it as his path to a first Oscar nomination. Be mindful of when a review seems to be critiquing the narrative more than the movie. A great performance is a great performance, but a review focused on its awards chances is engaged in punditry, not just criticism.
Treat Standing Ovation Times with Skepticism
Every year, headlines report the length of standing ovations as if they’re a quantifiable measure of quality. Last year, a film about the war in Gaza, "The Voice of Hind Rajab," received a record-breaking 22-minute ovation. While it signals an emotional reaction in the room, it's also a form of performative consensus. Critics have noted that applause length has become a kind of sport, with journalists timing them and audiences aware they are being watched. It's part of the festival spectacle, but it’s a notoriously unreliable predictor of a film’s eventual reception or awards success. A seven-minute ovation doesn't mean a film is objectively better than one that got four.
Follow Critics, Not Just Scores
Instead of relying on aggregated scores, find a few individual critics whose tastes and reasoning you respect. Some critics are tougher on genre films, while others champion international cinema. Some prioritize emotional impact, and others focus on formal innovation. Following a diverse group of writers—including those you often disagree with—provides a more three-dimensional view of a film. A negative review from a critic who usually loves a particular director's work can be just as revealing as a rave from a known fan. Their specific praise or complaints will give you the context you need to decide if a movie is for you.
Watch for Political and Social Context
Film festivals don't happen in a vacuum, and this year's Venice lineup is being called its “most political” ever, with films tackling the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and the rise of right-wing media. The opening night film, "Ink," chronicles Rupert Murdoch's early career. This context is crucial. Sometimes a film gets a major boost because it speaks directly to the current moment. That doesn't diminish its importance, but it's helpful to recognize when a film's immediate cultural relevance is a major driver of its enthusiastic reception. It helps you understand what conversation the film is joining, which is a key part of its impact.
Embrace the Dissenting Opinion
When a film is met with near-universal praise, it’s tempting to accept it as an instant classic. But it's often the dissenting voices that offer the most clarity. Seek out the lukewarm or negative reviews for a consensus hit. These critics might highlight flaws that others overlooked in their excitement or point out that a supposedly groundbreaking film is actually treading familiar ground. This isn't about looking for reasons to dislike a popular film; it’s about getting a more complete picture. A balanced perspective prevents the inevitable disappointment that comes when a movie can’t possibly live up to the “flawless masterpiece” hype.
