Critic Reviews

• Geoff Andrew, Time Out

  Engrossing, intelligent fare.

• Philip French, Guardian [UK]

  After its edgy, deliberately puzzling first hour, it starts to run out of steam, but at 85 minutes it doesn't overstay its welcome.

• Allan Hunter, Daily Express

  Diego Luna's promising debut as a director is a slight and charming tale of a troubled young boy's retreat into fantasy.

• Matthew Turner, ViewLondon

  Enjoyable, off-beat drama that's both darkly funny and emotionally engaging, thanks to assured direction from Diego Luna and a terrific central performance from young Christopher Ruiz-Esparza.

• David Edwards, Daily Mirror [UK]

  A slow-burning but satisfying comedy that goes for gentle humour rather than belly laughs.

• Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

  It's an intriguing film...

• Tom Seymour, Little White Lies

  Abel may mark the beginning of a major new Latin American voice.

• Leo Robson, Financial Times

  A comedy that is creepy and amusing in just the right measures.

• David Parkinson, Radio Times

  Luna makes fine use of production designer Brigitte Broch's shabbily cosy interiors to prevent the film from turning into a twee shantytown fairy tale...

• Rob Daniel, Sky Movies

  Mexican cinema adds another gem to its treasure chest.

• Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall

  Engaging and involving, and so bizarre that it's impossible to predict where the story's going

• Anna Smith, Empire Magazine

  Tender and affecting.

• Matt Mueller, Total Film

  Abel is blighted by limp plotting and anaemic characters, leaving it as flat as a steamrollered tortilla.

• Annlee Ellingson, Moving Pictures Magazine

  After nearly two decades in front of the camera, Luna has learned a thing or two about how to work behind it as well.

Read all 14 critic reviews