screen english movie review

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

25 years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, Calif., a new killer dons the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets fro... Read all 25 years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, Calif., a new killer dons the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town's deadly past. 25 years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, Calif., a new killer dons the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town's deadly past.

• Matt Bettinelli-Olpin
• Tyler Gillett
• James Vanderbilt
• Kevin Williamson
• Neve Campbell
• Courteney Cox
• David Arquette
• 1.7K User reviews
• 338 Critic reviews
• 60 Metascore
• 5 wins & 22 nominations

Top cast 33

• Sidney Prescott

• Gale Weathers

• Dewey Riley

• Sam Carpenter

• Richie Kirsch

• Amber Freeman

• Tara Carpenter

• Mindy Meeks-Martin

• Chad Meeks-Martin

• Liv McKenzie

• Sheriff Judy Hicks

• Billy Loomis

• Vince Schneider

• Deputy Vinson
• Deputy Farney

• Martha Meeks
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

• Trivia The fact that Dewey never mentioned his sister Tatum or her death was an oft-criticized aspect of the prior sequels, making it seem like she had been forgotten. Here, we see that he still keeps her ashes on the mantle.
• Goofs During the beginning of the film whilst Tara is walking through the house, in the window to the right of the front door the camera guy can be seen clearly during both scenes that take place during the hallway shots.

Wes Hicks : [suspecting Dewey as the killer] You got stabbed a billion times, got dumped by your famous wife, and crawled into a bottle. I think it's safe to say you're on the suspect list.

Dewey Riley : Well, maybe you're the killer. Because that cut deep.

• Crazy credits There is a scene at the end of the movie that says "For Wes", then another appearance of Ghostface.
• Connections Featured in Chris Stuckmann Movie Reviews: Scream (2022) (2022)
• Soundtracks True Love Written by Aaron Frazer (as Aaron Gabriel Frazer), Durand Jones & Blake Rhein (as Blake Jordan Rhein) Performed by Durand Jones & The Indications Courtesy of Dead Oceans

User reviews 1.7K

• Feb 17, 2022
• How long is Scream? Powered by Alexa
• How is this a "reboot" if the original star (Campbell) from all four movies is in it?
• Who is Sydney's Unseen Husband in this Movie?
• January 14, 2022 (United States)
• United States
• Official site
• Scream. Grita
• North Carolina, USA
• Paramount Pictures
• Spyglass Media Group
• Project X Entertainment
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $24,000,000 (estimated)
• $81,641,405
• $30,018,805
• Jan 16, 2022
• $137,743,924

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 54 minutes
• Dolby Atmos

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• IMDb Answers: Help fill gaps in our data
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed.

Your browser is not supported

Sorry but it looks as if your browser is out of date. To get the best experience using our site we recommend that you upgrade or switch browsers.

Find a solution

• Skip to main content
• Skip to navigation

• Back to parent navigation item
• Digital Editions
• Screen Network
• Stars Of Tomorrow
• The Big Screen Awards
• FYC screenings
• World of Locations
• UK in focus
• Job vacancies
• Cannes Close-Up
• Distribution
• Staff moves
• Artificial intelligence
• Territories
• UK & Ireland
• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
• Future Leaders
• My Screen Life
• Karlovy Vary
• San Sebastian
• Sheffield Doc/Fest
• Middle East
• Box Office Reports
• International
• Golden Globes
• European Film Awards

Stars of Tomorrow

Subscribe to Screen International

• Monthly print editions
• Awards season weeklies
• Stars of Tomorrow and exclusive supplements
• Over 16 years of archived content
• More from navigation items

Top stories

Albert Serra’s bullfighting doc ‘Afternoons Of Solitude’ wins best film at San Sebastian 2024

Sky sues Warner over ‘Harry Potter’ series and Max co-funding deal

Seven key themes to emerge from Screen’s ‘The Future of UK Film’ Summit

mk2 sparks backlash among French distributors with box-office phenomenon ‘Kaizen’

Maggie Smith dies aged 89

Michael Tyburski’s romantic comedy ‘Turn Me On’ sells to North America

UK-Ireland box office preview: Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ makes anticipated bow

How Germany’s Junafilm has become a go-to international partner for genre and family films

Latest news.

Tentative contract agreement for US casting directors

Georgia Brown joins board of UK’s Garden Studios

Odeon, Prime Video launch trial partnership in UK

‘Kneecap’ crosses £2m at UK-Ireland box office for Wildcard, Curzon

BFI London Film Festival unveils 2024 Competition juries

2024 film festivals and markets calendar: latest dates

UK-Ireland film cinema release dates: latest updates for 2024

’Marco’: San Sebastián Review

‘The Last Breath’: San Sebastian Review

‘The Wailing’: San Sebastian Review

Pingyao 2024: profiles of seven debut features in Hidden Dragons competition

The hottest Spanish film projects in the works

Helge Albers on Hamburg’s MOIN film fund slate and working with Filmfest Hamburg

More stories.

Sailing doc ‘Wind, Tide & Oar’ secures UK & Ireland distribution (exclusive)

Ruben Östlund, David Wnendt projects receive backing from Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg

Seven talking points from San Sebastian’s Creative Investors’ Conference 2024

Oscars best international feature 2025: Pakistan submits ‘The Glassworker’, Vietnam enters state-funded film

Critics Choice Association announces diversity celebration awards

Neon picks up Toronto prizewinner ‘The Life Of Chuck’ for North America

SPC takes world rights to ‘Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight’

Tribeca festival sets 2025 dates, adds summit event

Pedro Almodóvar reflects on 44-year filmmaking career at San Sebastian

‘Boiling Point’ duo to adapt Annie Mac novel ‘The Mess We’re In’

Callum Turner, Riley Keough to lead Karim Aїnouz’s ‘Rosebush Pruning’

Producer Jeremy Thomas eyes TV version of Oscar-winning ‘The Last Emperor’

AI Creative Summit programme includes ‘The Last Screenwriter’ filmmaker

Filmfest Hamburg sets 2024 Industry Days programme

Uk in focus.

How Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Beetlejuice 2’ and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ were made in the UK

Sponsored by British Film Commission

Screen reveals 2024 UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow

What Spanish market Iberseries and Platino Industria offers the international screen sector

Sponsored by Iberseries & Platino Industria

Future proofing: investment in skills helps UK film and TV crews stay ahead of the pack

How Austria became one of Europe’s leading international film and TV locations

Sponsored by FILM in AUSTRIA

Denmark’s National Film School is working to give international execs a foothold in the future

Sponsored by The National Film School of Denmark

Hitting the beat: Why Anderson .Paak filmed ‘K-Pops!’ in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla

Sponsored by Film AlUla

Lithuania’s art, creativity and XR skills are on display at Venice Immersive

Sponsored by Baltic Film & Creative Tech Cluster

How TorinoFilmLab is making sustainability more accessible for European film producers

Sponsored by TorinoFilmLab

Locarno’s First Look selection showcases vitality of Spanish film industry

Sponsored by ICEX Spain Trade & Investment and TorinoFilmLab

Latest Video

‘Basileia’: first trailer for Venice Days closing night film (exclusive)

First trailer for Venice Horizons debut feature ‘My Everything’ starring Laure Calamy (exclusive)

‘Sicilian Letters’: first trailer for Venice Competition title with Toni Servillo (exclusive)

First trailer for Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘The Room Next Door’

First trailer for Paz Vega’s directing debut ‘Rita’ ahead of Locarno premiere (exclusive)

First trailer for Bob Dylan biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’ starring Timothee Chalamet

Special offer: £1 a week, need more from screen.

Unlock five free articles per month, breaking news alerts, exclusive offers and much more.

• Advertise with Screen
• A - Z of Subjects
• Connect with us on Facebook
• Connect with us on Twitter
• Connect with us on Linked in
• Connect with us on YouTube
• Connect with us on Instagram>

Screen International is the essential resource for the international film industry. Subscribe now for monthly editions, awards season weeklies, access to the Screen International archive and supplements including Stars of Tomorrow and World of Locations.

• Screen Awards
• Media Production & Technology Show
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy & Cookie Policy
• Copyright © 2023 Media Business Insight Limited
• Subscription FAQs

Site powered by Webvision Cloud

The English Review: Saddle Up and Enjoy This Compelling Chase Western

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Amber Alert Review: Every Parent's Worst Nightmare Is Frustrating in the Wrong Ways

Salem's lot review: stephen king's iconic vampire tale gets a chilling but small film, azrael review: samara weaving silently fights to survive after the rapture.

Two beleaguered souls meet as if by chance while braving the western frontier. “Can you shoot?” asks a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout, Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer). Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt)—aristocratic, English, fish out of water, disheveled—replies: “If I have to.”

Eli doesn’t miss a beat. “Oh, you’ll have to.”

Welcome to 1890 middle America, a violent landscape inspired by big dreams and filled with plenty of bloodshed. It’s the captivating setting of The English , the new Amazon Studios epic chase Western from award-winning writer and director Hugo Blick ( The Honourable Woman, Black Earth Rising, The Shadow Line ). The six-episode limited series, which hits Amazon Prime on November 11, also happens to be one of the most captivating Westerns to hit the small screen in some time—that’s code for “temporarily pause what you’re currently streaming, folks, and dive into this exceptional experience.”

The English follows Cornelia’s entry into the daunting and dangerous new landscape of the West. She’s determined to get revenge on an unruly gent she blames for the death of her son. Fate bumps her into Eli, a member of the Pawnee Nation by birth and a guy with his own dilemmas. It takes a lot to survive the treacherous souls occupying the West, after all. This series spares no details in showing how gruesome the late-1800s were, in fact. Suddenly joined together, Cornelia and Eli discover a shared history that they must defeat if either of them is to survive.

The stellar cast includes Rafe Spall ( The Salisbury Poisonings, Trying ) and Nichola McAuliffe ( Tomorrow Never Dies, Doctor Who ) in standout roles. Tom Hughes ( A Discovery of Witches, Victoria ), Stephen Rea ( The Shadow Line, The Honourable Woman ), Valerie Pachner ( A Hidden Life, The Kingsman ), Toby Jones ( Marvellous, Detectorists ), Ciaran Hinds ( The Terror, The Woman in Black ), Malcolm Storry ( The Princess Bride, Doc Martin ), Steve Wall ( Raised by Wolves, The Witcher ), Sule Rimi ( Black Earth Rising, Strike Back ), and Cristian Solimeno ( Avenue 5, Guilt ) are also on board.

When the series was being prepped for production, Blick noted: "The chance to make a Western with Emily Blunt and the cast is so delicious I’m still wondering if it’s one of those weird dreams we were all having during lockdown. If not, a thrilling, romantic, epic horse-opera is heading to your screen… and I couldn’t be more excited.”

Related: The Fabelmans Review: Steven Spielberg's Heartfelt Memoir of Family & Filmmaking

The Acting in The English

Blick has a good reason to be jazzed about Blunt ( A Quiet Place, Jungle Cruise, Mary Poppins Returns .) Always a joy to watch, the actress delivers a powerhouse performance as Cornelia, balancing the character’s vulnerability with her fierce determination to right a horrible wrong, even though she’s not fully equipped—at least in the beginning—to do so. An Emmy nod is in order for Blunt next year. The same can be said for Spencer ( Blindspot , Barkskins ), a rare on-screen presence—deep, grounded, often hypnotic. You don’t experience many actors like Spencer and together, he and Blunt give viewers two memorable characters worthy of our investment. What on-screen magic they create.

Cornelia arrives at a Kansas outpost circa 1890 carrying far too much—literally and figuratively. She’s got trunks galore and frothy gowns, and perhaps way too much cash for an English lady to be toting around out on the frontier. But avenge her son’s death she must. So onward she goes even though a gaggle of bad fellas have anticipated her arrival.

Eli, Pawnee-born and now a defunct U.S. Army calvary, is a lone wolf. Natives raise their eyebrows over his Calvary involvement. White folks discriminate based on his skin color. Eli’s wish? To grab a couple of acres somewhere safe.

But Cornelia and Eli’s futures are connected. And so are their pasts. “You and I have met,” Cornelia tells Eli. “It was in the stars.”

The first three episodes of The English do well in creating the vast landscape and wicked danger of the Western world. The cinematography here is wonderful eye-candy—the series was shot overseas so Spain fills in for the Wild West.

Mostly, viewers will be intrigued by some of the characters in this Western territory. Anybody that knows much about the period realizes that getting hanged or shot over a simple misunderstanding isn’t that far-fetched. More gruesome, perhaps, is the havoc white men inflicted, particularly on entire Native communities. Spall’s David Melmont comes to mind. His character is, literally, the heart of darkness. Still, it gives Spall plenty of scene-stealing opportunities and his bone-chilling performance in The English is one for the books.

McAuliffe’s Black Eyed Mog, a hardened frontier woman, appears less frequently, but she’s bound to give you the spooks. Collectively, Blick and the creative team have introduced a fascinating array of characters and the actors embodying them are pitch-perfect. But what about the actual story of The English ? Does it get the job done?

Related: Exclusive: Charlotte Nicdao, Jessie Ennis, and Ashley Burch on Season Three of Mythic Quest

Is The English Worth the Investment?

The short answer is: Yes. Episode 4 takes place 15 years before the events we’re initially introduced to in Episode 1, and it does a fine job of connecting the creative dots. This backstory helps us understand what’s really at stake for Cornelia. And Eli, for that matter. It also introduces an evil force that will be hard to reckon with.

Artistically and thematically, I couldn’t get enough of The English. I wanted more. In that respect, Blick did his job. Core themes of identity and revenge interweave themselves in a fascinating parable that also touches on race, power, and love. The middle episodes tend to droop just a bit. Like bullets ricocheting off wooden porches or barns, you wonder where things may land and there’s a fear—because the front half was so good—that the story may have lost its footing. Like roping cattle, though, Blick steers things back in the right direction. This comes to light during an investigation by the local sheriff Robert Marshall (played by Rea) and the young widow, Martha Myers (Valerie Pachner) into a series of bizarre and macabre unsolved murders. Here we realize the full extent of Cornelia and Eli's intertwined history. The passion found in the latter half of Episodes 5 and 6 are, by far, something of the best things we’ve experienced in a Western.

Much is at stake as Cornelia and Eli’s precarious, often violent, journey unravels, and in the hands of another writer, producer, and director—Blick is all three—I sense we’d experience a much choppier ride overall. There’s depth and tenderness, too, when we learn more about Cornelia’s emotional plight. Her bond with Eli is visceral as past traumas come to light. These truly are expectational characters.

The English is one of the most passionate Western tales to hit the screen. Blunt and Spencer are cinematic gold. The cast shines. The acting is powerful, effective, and, to a degree, a bit soul-stirring. Aside from its midway dip—easily forgivable—Blick’s big dive into Westerns is one hell of a—to coin his term—"horse opera."

The English hits Amazon Prime Video on November 11.

• Movie and TV Reviews

What is a Film Review — Definition, Examples & Top Critics

I n cinema, film reviews hold a significant place, serving as a bridge between the film industry and viewers. They provide an analytical perspective that helps audiences decide what to watch and understand the nuances of a film. In this article, we will delve into the definition of a film review, its critical components, and shed light on some iconic film review writers who have significantly shaped the field.

Watch: Christopher Nolan's Best Films Ranked

Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this.

What is Film Review in Cinema?

First, let’s define film review.

Film reviews hold a unique place in cinema acting as both promotional tools and critical analysis pieces. With the rise of platforms like Letterboxd and Rotten Tomatoes, they are becoming more relevant in the cinematic landscape.

FILM REVIEW DEFINITION

What is a film review.

A film review is a type of critique that provides an evaluation of a film, encompassing various aspects such as the plot, themes, direction, script, and performances. Originating in the early 20th century with the advent of cinema, film reviews have evolved from mere opinion pieces in newspapers to a significant form of journalistic writing. The primary purpose of a film review is to inform the reader about the film and offer an informed opinion about its various elements. It serves as a guide for viewers, helping them decide whether the film is worth their time and money.

Criteria for Movie Review:

Overview of the film, analysis of the plot and themes, evaluation of the script, direction, and acting, personal opinion and rating, movie review format, components of a good film review.

Film reviews are a blend of various vital components, each contributing to a comprehensive analysis. From evaluating performances and storytelling to dissecting technical aspects, a well-rounded review provides a holistic perspective. By examining these elements of a movie review format we can gain a deeper understanding of the film's impact and appreciate its artistic merit.

This includes a brief synopsis that sets the context without revealing any spoilers . The overview should pique the reader's interest and give them a sense of the film's storyline. Here is one of the greatest film critics, Roger Ebert, on what a film review should do. 

Roger Ebert What A Movie Review Should Do

This involves a deeper look into the narrative and the underlying themes of the film. It should explore the storyline's complexity, originality, and coherence.

This component assesses the technical aspects of the film, such as the screenplay , cinematography , direction, music, and performances. It also includes an assessment of how these elements contribute to the overall impact of the film. 

This is much more popular with the rise of film criticism on YouTube in which film critics can simultaneously play and dissect a scene for an audience. In this video by Nerdwriter1, Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood is dissected visually in a way that would be difficult or at least less effective without a video component.

One Way To Deconstruct There Will Be Blood

This is where the reviewer shares their personal view and overall impression of the film. It often includes a rating system, which can help readers quickly gauge the reviewer's opinion.

A good film review strikes a balance between objective analysis and personal perspective. It is also important that the review uses engaging language and style to hold the reader's attention.

What is Film Review Important For?

Influence of film reviews.

Film reviews have a significant impact on public opinion and can greatly influence the success of a film.  A positive review from a reputable critic can attract more viewers and increase the film's box office revenue. On the other hand, a negative review can dissuade audiences from watching the film.

Attracting Viewers

Positive reviews can generate buzz and attract a larger audience to the theaters. They serve as a powerful tool in building anticipation and interest among moviegoers. Take Rotten Tomatoes for example.

Many film goers opt to check the Rotten Tomatoes reviews of a film before they decide to watch or see it in cinema. 

While this can work well for some movies in attracting viewers, it can negatively impact other films. This is especially true with the way Rotten Tomatoes rating system works. For a great insight on to how the platform works and the possible problems with its ratings, check out the video below. 

The Problem With Rotten Tomatoes

Box office success.

Positive reviews often contribute to a film's box office success. When critics praise a movie, it can lead to increased ticket sales and financial profitability for the filmmakers.

Influence on Perception

Reviews shape how people perceive a film. Positive reviews create a positive perception, making viewers more likely to give the movie a chance. On the other hand, negative reviews can deter potential viewers and impact the film's overall reception.

Critical Acclaim

When a film receives critical acclaim from respected reviewers and publications, it can achieve iconic status. This recognition elevates the film's reputation and can lead to long-lasting popularity and cultural significance.

Parasite’s Historic Oscar Wins in 2020

Film reviews hold considerable sway in the film industry. They not only impact the number of viewers but also shape how a film is perceived and remembered.

Related Posts

• What is Cinematography? →
• Understanding Story Structure →
• How Does Rotten Tomatoes Work? →

Movie Review Example and Writers

Iconic film review writers.

The field of film criticism has been significantly influenced by several notable writers who have left a lasting impact on the industry. These writers, through their insightful analyses and thought-provoking perspectives, have shaped the way we perceive and appreciate films.

Their contributions have not only elevated the art of film criticism but have also enriched our understanding of cinema as a whole. 

Roger Ebert

Known for his acerbic wit and insightful commentaries, Ebert was one of the most influential film critics. His reviews, published in the Chicago Sun-Times for over four decades, were known for their accessible writing style and keen observations.

Pauline Kael

Writing for The New Yorker, Kael was known for her passionate and provocative reviews. She championed many underappreciated films and filmmakers, influencing public opinion and the course of American cinema.

Pauline Kael on Criticism

Andrew sarris.

A leading proponent of the auteur theory in America, Sarris's writings in The Village Voice and The New York Observer have had a profound impact on the way films are analyzed and appreciated.

Leonard Maltin

Renowned for his annual publication, "Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide," Maltin's reviews are known for their succinctness and precision. His work has guided generations of moviegoers.

Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide

These critics, with their unique perspectives and styles, have made enduring contributions to film criticism, influencing not just audiences but filmmakers as well.

Film reviews, like the movies themselves, are a form of art. They capture the essence of a film, dissect it, and present it to the audience in a refined form. With their insightful analysis, they help us, the viewers, to better understand and appreciate cinema. 

Remember, a review is not meant to replace or reflect your own judgment of a film but to complement and deepen your viewing pleasure. So, read, watch, and form your own judgment — because nothing compares to your own cinematic experience.

How Does Rotten Tomatoes Work?

As we delve deeper into the world of film reviews and their unique influence, let's turn our attention to a specific and influential platform. In the next article, we explore the intricacies of the Rotten Tomatoes ratings system.

Up Next: Rotten Tomatoes Explained →

Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards..

Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.

Learn More ➜

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Pricing & Plans
• Featured On
• StudioBinder Partners
• Ultimate Guide to Call Sheets
• How to Break Down a Script (with FREE Script Breakdown Sheet)
• The Only Shot List Template You Need — with Free Download
• Managing Your Film Budget Cashflow & PO Log (Free Template)
• A Better Film Crew List Template Booking Sheet
• Best Storyboard Softwares (with free Storyboard Templates)
• Movie Magic Scheduling
• Gorilla Software
• Storyboard That

A visual medium requires visual methods. Master the art of visual storytelling with our FREE video series on directing and filmmaking techniques.

We’re in a golden age of TV writing and development. More and more people are flocking to the small screen to find daily entertainment. So how can you break put from the pack and get your idea onto the small screen? We’re here to help.

• Making It: From Pre-Production to Screen
• 50+ Types of Camera Shots, Angles, and Techniques
• How to Plan a Film Shoot in 5 Simple Steps
• What is Foreshadowing — Definition, Examples in Film and Lit.
• What is a Biopic — Definition & Best Examples Explained
• How Many Rocky Movies Are There — All Rocky Movies in Order
• 0 Pinterest

The English

“The English,” a new six-part mini-series on Prime Video, is a Western about outsiders made by an outsider. There’s always a bit of a different flavor when someone not from the United States tackles the most homegrown of genres, the Western. And one can feel the influence of Sergio Leone and the Spaghetti Western all over Brit Hugo Blick ’s captivating drama, a show that bursts out of the gate with two of the best episodes of TV this year before getting a bit too languid and talky in its mid-section. Thankfully, it regains its footing, and never loses its visual confidence or style even through the slow stuff. This is a drama about lands shaped by violence and eroded by vengeance, a genre exercise with fantastic performances and film-caliber technical elements. Western fans definitely won’t want to miss it.

After a prologue that details the tumultuous state of existence in middle America in 1890, “The English” thrusts its two protagonists together in a long scene of fateful twists. Lady Cornelia Locke ( Emily Blunt ) arrives in the United States to avenge the death of her son but is immediately threatened by greedy, violent criminals played marvelously by Toby Jones and Ciaran Hinds . As she’s thrown from the carriage to Hinds’ feet, she sees the figure of a beaten man hanging at the edge of the property. It is Eli Whipp ( Chaske Spencer ), a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout who now intends to get his promised land from the government he fought for even though he knows in his heart that he’s unlikely to get it easily. These are both people pushing back against a broken system, one that rewards the greedy and the unjust, and they will end up essentially on the road together to a small town called Hoxem, Wyoming.

This mini-Deadwood in Wyoming is led (barely) by a sheriff named Robert Marshall ( Stephen Rea ), who is stumped by a series of local murders that may involve a young widow named Martha Myers ( Valerie Pachner ). As everything builds toward a series of revelations and showdowns in Hoxem, familiar faces pop up including memorable turns by Rafe Spall and Gary Farmer (so good on “Reservation Dogs”). Much of “The English” consists of long dialogue exchanges punctuated by extreme violence. It’s a fascinating equation as this is essentially a show about people who believe that they will only get what they want by force and yet it’s also remarkably rich in dialogue and character interaction. The opening episode conversation between Hinds and Blunt over a dinner table that includes prairie oysters (look it up) isn’t as self-aware as Quentin Tarantino but recalls similar exchanges in his films like “Django Unchained” and “ Inglourious Basterds ”—scenes in which you know all the witty back and forth is probably going to end in bloodshed.

Blick sometimes indulges a bit too much in these lengthy exchanges, especially in episodes three and four, and he allows the storytelling to get cluttered in flashbacks when the season needs to be building momentum after its explosive opening episodes. However, through it all, the show remains a visually engaging experience. Blick and his team are very interested in iconic Western imagery—silhouettes against a big blue sky, close-ups of furtive eyes, etc.—but also in digging beneath the imagery to the truth of a land of broken promises, both those made to the people told they could start a new life there and the ones whose land was stolen. Late in the season, someone speaks of the difference between traveling with hope vs. just traveling without fear, and it feels like a show about a time in America when hope was in very short supply. Some travelers to new communities like Hoxem may have traveled without fear, but it wasn’t because they hoped for a bright future as much as they had no other choice.

Even as “The English” sags a bit in terms of storytelling, the performances remain stellar through the season. Hinds and Jones have a blast in their episode, and Rea is typically strong, but the show belongs to Blunt and Spencer, who are both phenomenal. Blunt has always been able to balance vulnerability and strength, and those two traits exist in the same beat in some of her choices here in a captivating way. Spencer understands how to carry regret in his body and his tone, capturing a man who may be numbed by what he’s seen perpetrated on his people but hasn’t allowed that to overwhelm his decency. They both have such wonderful voices, which give “The English” the air of classic genre cinema at times if you close your eyes. Every time that Blunt and Spencer start volleying dialogue, it’s easy to just get lost in this show. 

The streaming mini-series has become such an oversaturated field that something like “The English” could get lost in the crowd. Like the characters it profiles, it deserves a chance at happiness and to carve out some of the landscape for itself.

Premieres on Prime Video on Friday, November 11 th .

Brian Tallerico

Brian Tallerico is the Managing Editor of RogerEbert.com, and also covers television, film, Blu-ray, and video games. He is also a writer for Vulture, The Playlist, The New York Times, and GQ, and the President of the Chicago Film Critics Association.

• Emily Blunt as Cornelia Locke
• Chaske Spencer as Eli Whipp
• Stephen Rea as Robert Marshall
• Valerie Pachner as Martha Myers
• Rafe Spall as
• Tom Hughes as
• Toby Jones as
• Ciaran Hinds as

Leave a comment

Now playing.

Devara: Part 1

Will & Harper

Amber Alert

The Universal Theory

I, The Executioner

The Apprentice

Daddy’s Head

Latest articles

A Careful Performer: Maggie Smith (1934-2024)

Home Entertainment Guide: September 2024

New York Film Festival 2024: Preview and Thoughts on “The Brutalist,” “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”

The Registers of Fear: Samara Weaving on “Azrael”

The best movie reviews, in your inbox.

Maggie Smith, Grande Dame of Stage and Screen, Dies at 89

She earned an extraordinary array of awards, from Oscars to Emmys to a Tony, but she could still go almost everywhere unrecognized. Then came “Downton Abbey.”

As Violet Crawley, the acid-tongued dowager countess on “Downton Abbey,” Ms. Smith was the show’s breakout star from the beginning. Credit... Nick Briggs/PBS, via Associated Press

Supported by

• Share full article

By Anita Gates and Robert Berkvist

• Published Sept. 27, 2024 Updated Sept. 28, 2024, 1:14 a.m. ET

Maggie Smith, one of the finest British stage and screen actors of her generation, whose award-winning roles ranged from a freethinking Scottish schoolteacher in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” to the acid-tongued dowager countess on “Downton Abbey,” died on Friday in London. She was 89.

Her death, in a hospital, was announced by her family in a statement issued by a publicist. It did not specify the cause of death.

American moviegoers barely knew Ms. Smith (now Dame Maggie to her countrymen) when she starred in “ The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie ” (1969), about a teacher at a girls’ school in the 1930s who dared to have provocative views — and a love life. Vincent Canby’s review in The New York Times described her performance as “a staggering amalgam of counterpointed moods, switches in voice levels and obliquely stated emotions, all of which are precisely right.” It brought her the Academy Award for best actress.

She won a second Oscar, for best supporting actress, for “California Suite” (1978), based on Neil Simon’s stage comedy. Her character, a British actress attending the Oscars with her bisexual husband (Michael Caine), has a disappointing evening at the ceremony and a bittersweet night in bed.

In real life, prizes had begun coming Ms. Smith’s way in 1962, when she won her first Evening Standard Theater Award. By the turn of the millennium, she had the two Oscars, a Tony, two Golden Globes, half a dozen BAFTAs (British Academy of Film and Television Awards) and scores of nominations. Yet she could go almost anywhere unrecognized.

Until “ Downton Abbey .”

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Advertisement

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

Movie reviews.

• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

How to Share Screen Time Rules with Relatives, Babysitters, and Other Caregivers

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Multicultural Books

YouTube Channels with Diverse Representations

Podcasts with Diverse Characters and Stories

Parents and caregivers, find movies by age.

How old is your kid?

You can add another kid later.

What streaming service(s) do you have?

0 selected. Click on logos to select.

Set content limits for your kid

If a media pick exceeds the content limits you've set for your kid, you'll see this flag. Learn more

Violence & Scariness

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What's your kid's name?

We value your privacy and will not share this publicly.

New Streaming Movies

Amber Alert

City of Dreams

Will & Harper

The Thicket

Cricket & Antoinette

It Ends with Us

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

The Nana Project

New in Theaters

Great watch-together picks, popular with parents, family laughs.

Screen Rant

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

The latest movie news on the movies you're most interested in seeing.

Star Wars Stunt Coordinator Reveals George Lucas' Massive Last-Second Change To Attack Of The Clones: "It Changed On The Day"

Stunt coordinator Nick Gillard reveals that George Lucas was responsible for a major change to the ending of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

Kate Winslet Addresses Losing The Oscar 5 Times Before Finally Winning In 2009

Happy gilmore 2 adds popular wrestling star to the cast of the adam sandler sequel, samuel l. jackson's 1996 thriller originally killed off his character: "audience was like f--k no", how sean penn's oscar-nominated 1998 movie accurately portrays army's role explained by historian.

Historian John McManus analyzes scenes from a 1998 World War 2 movie starring Sean Penn, explaining what the film gets right about the U.S. Army.

One Family Takes An Unforgettable Trip In National Geographic Documentary Blink

Exclusive: Screen Rant presents a clip from NatGeo's Blink, in which a family embarks on a trip after their kids begin losing their vision.

We Are Getting Closer To Bob Odenkirk's Nobody 2 Release As Filming Officially Wraps

We are getting closer to Bob Odenkirk's Nobody 2 release as filming officially wraps, as announced by director Timo Tjahjanto on Instagram.

Salem's Lot Rotten Tomatoes Score Debuts With Lowest Of The 3 Stephen King Adaptations

The long-awaited Salem's Lot lands an early score on Rotten Tomatoes, though it's unfortunately the lowest of the 3 Stephen King adaptations.

Dame Maggie Smith Dies At Age 89

Beloved actress Dame Maggie Smith has passed away at the age of 89. She was known for roles in Gosford Park and A Room with a View, among others.

Stephen King Reviews Halle Berry's New Horror Movie With 63% RT Score

Stephen King provides his review of Halle Berry's new horror film Never Let Go, which has a 63% Rotten Tomatoes score and struggled at the box office.

Alan Tudyk Joins James Gunn's Superman Movie For Second DC Universe Role

Though filming has already wrapped, James Gunn's Superman movie has another DC Universe cast member joining the movie: Creature Commandos' Alan Tudyk.

One Of Django Unchained's Gunfights Was Not In The Original Quentin Tarantino Script, Says Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson reveals that Quentin Tarantino did not have one of the key gunfights in Django Unchained originally scripted and was later added.

Elevation Trailer: 2 Marvel Stars Fight Against A New Monster Threat In Post-Apocalyptic Thriller Movie

The first trailer has been released for Elevation, a new post-apocalyptic action thriller that stars Anthony Mackie and a fellow MCU star.

Mike Flanagan’s Life Of Chuck Scores US Release Window After Major Festival Victory

Following a successful festival debut, Mike Flanagan and Tom Hiddleston's The Life of Chuck finds a distributor to bring it to audiences.

Never Let Go's Shocking Death Addressed By Director

Never Let Go director Alexandre Aja addresses the shocking death in the horror movie which stars Halle Berry as a mother protecting her twin sons.

1992 Psychological Thriller Movie Is Getting A Remake With Longlegs Star

One of the leads of Longlegs is set to star in a remake of a 1992 psychological thriller that was one of the Top 10 domestic movies of the year.

Blumhouse Passes Major 2024 Box Office Milestone Following Speak No Evil's $43M Success

The Speak No Evil remake continues to be a success in theaters, and the film has just helped Blumhouse cross a major 2024 box office milestone.

Creative Longlegs Art Imagines Nic Cage & Maika Monroe In The Beetlejuice Animated Series’ Style

Longlegs' titular serial killer and FBI agent Lee Harker receives a surprising reimagining inspired by the Beetlejuice animated series.

Moana 2 Trailer Reveals A New Journey, Powerful Forces, Reuniting With Maui, & Teases New Songs

Moana 2's trailer features new characters, songs, and powerful forces as Moana and Maui embark on their latest and most daring adventure yet.

Maria Official Trailer

Netflix releases the first trailer for Maria, starring Angelina Jolie as the titular legendary singer in her final three days, alongside a release.

George Lucas' Role In Star Wars' $393 Million Box Office Bomb Revealed

Screenwriter Stuart Beattie reveals George Lucas' role in a Star Wars movie that bombed at the box office by grossing only $393 million.

Ballerina Trailer: Ana de Armas’ Assassin Seeks Revenge & 3 John Wick Characters Return

The world of John Wick returns in the first trailer for Ballerina, a spinoff film that features Ana de Armas in the starring role as an assassin.

Maria Trailer: Angelina Jolie Captures Legendary Singer’s Final Days In Her First Movie In 3 Years

The first trailer has been released for Maria, an upcoming biopic starring Angelina Jolie that marks her first movie appearance in three years.

Samuel L. Jackson Reveals His Favorite Pulp Fiction Line (& It Doesn't Contain Any Cuss Words)

Samuel L. Jackson reveals his favorite line from Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction and it comes from one of the most iconic scenes in the movie.