Critic Reviews

• Dave Calhoun, Time Out

  One of the most shocking, unexpected and daring finales in a long while.

• Anthony Quinn, Independent

  One sequence, soundtracked almost entirely by rainfall, is an exquisite metaphorical display of emotional tumult.

• Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

  Reygadas communicates in a superbly controlled cinematic idiom and conjures up a hypnotic address to the viewer.

• Nigel Andrews, Financial Times

  Hypnotic, so real-yet-otherworldly, that the filmgoer has a virtual out-of-body experience.

• Wendy Ide, Times [UK]

  The film requires an investment from audiences that it more than repays.

• Jamie McLeish, Film4

  While there will be those who'll have issues with the film's torpid pacing, those who are willing to submit to Reygadas' astonishing vision will find themselves entranced and ultimately uplifted by the incredible transformative power of his filmmaking.

• , BBC

  The spectacle of watching these strange blonde-haired characters set against the lush backdrop of Mexico is both startling and engaging.

• Jamie Graham, Total Film

  The sound of silence... Indulging in few words and even fewer edits, Carlos Reygadas lets his luminous images do the talking as he ponders the human condition and more. Some viewers will cry with boredom; true believers will shed tears of pain and joy.

• Tim Evans, Sky Movies

  The opening six-minute shot of dawn breaking over a rural landscape is worth the price of admission alone. Stunning.

• Helen OHara, Empire Magazine

  Beautiful but boring.

• Jason Wood, Little White Lies

  One of the finest filns of the year and absolutely worthy of many repeated viewings.

Read all 11 critic reviews