Critic Reviews

• Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times

  Though unevenly told and at times too fanciful for its own good, "Electrick Children" marks an intriguing feature debut for its risk-taking writer-director, Rebecca Thomas.

• Stephen Holden, New York Times

  "Electrick Children" is well acted and refreshingly nonjudgmental, but its narrative continuity is tenuous at best.

• Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News

  Thomas makes an assured debut as both writer and director, the gifted Culkin is excellent as always, and Garner finds lovely shades of nuance in Rachel's innocent faith.

• Ted Scheinman, Village Voice

  Thomas has an aversion to the easy resolution-she knows precisely which mysteries to keep dangling.

• Keith Phipps, Time Out New York

  The best moments in filmmaker Rebecca Thomas's debut feature manage flashes of wide-eyed grace-that is, when the overly precious, half-formed story isn't undermining her understated direction and the work of a fine cast.

• Justin Lowe, Hollywood Reporter

  You needn't be a true believer to appreciate Rebecca Thomas's indie feature rooted in a traditional Mormon community.

• Jessica Kiang, The Playlist

  Good as it is, with a catchy high concept and hip indie sensibility, it could have been so much better. Culkin, Aiken and Garner, however, can count the film as an unmitigated triumph.

• Chuck Bowen, Slant Magazine

  Rebecca Thomas's debut feature is a sensible and humane exploration of youthful curiosity.

• Catherine Bray, Film4

  Sweet but never sickly ... Electrick Children is real must-see from a bright new talent.

• Aaron Yap, Flicks.co.nz

  The film ultimately exposes itself as fluffy fantasy.

• Tom Dawson, The List

  The debut feature of twentysomething Rebecca Thomas, who herself grew up in the Mormon faith, this US indie is a decent coming-of-age yarn, adorned with some magic realist flourishes.

• Tim Robey, Daily Telegraph

  Writer-director Rebecca Thomas invites us into this world with a gentle, unhectoring hand, and keeps the mystery of her story wide open.

• Catherine Shoard, Guardian [UK]

  Rebecca Thomas's gauzy debut about a 15-year-old Mormon who believes she's had an immaculate conception is deftly done.

• Joe Walsh, Little White Lies

  After the interesting initial concept, Electrick Children falls apart structurally, most notably in its transition between the second and third act.

• Limara Salt, Empire Magazine

  An interesting and catchy take on a traditional tale of repressed teenage rebellion.

• Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall

  The performances are excellent, and the filmmaking is mesmerising.

• Paul M. Bradshaw, Total Film

  Careful, kids - rock'n'roll can get you pregnant. Or that's what one Mormon teen believes in this cute lo-fi indie from first-timer Rebecca Thomas.

• Lee Marshall, Screen International

  There's a solid core to this magical realist coming of age tale that smooths over the odd bump.

• Todd Gilchrist, In Contention

  "Electrick Children" exudes raw talent and heralds the arrival of a voice that could evolve into something truly special, even if it's currently a little unsure of what exactly it wants to say.

Read all 19 critic reviews