79
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90The New York TimesGlenn KennyThe New York TimesGlenn KennyThe mostly low-key mode of Nowhere Special is the right one. Norton is spectacular, but little Lamont delivers one of those uncanny performances that doesn’t seem like acting, and makes you feel for the kid almost as much as his onscreen parent does.
- 88RogerEbert.comNell MinowRogerEbert.comNell MinowThere are so many ways to go wrong with this story, which we are told was inspired by an unidentified real father and son. Writer/director Uberto Pasolini does not let that happen, relying on the most ordinary details to take on greater and greater weight.
- 83IndieWireChristian BlauveltIndieWireChristian BlauveltAt the very least, Nowhere Special is one of the great father-son movies.
- 80CineVueChristopher MachellCineVueChristopher MachellNowhere Special is driven by the primal emotion of its child-parent dynamic and moving performances from both its leads, while the theme of social class resonates throughout.
- 80The Observer (UK)Simran HansThe Observer (UK)Simran HansThe film is understated rather than mawkish.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyThe Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyUltimately, what keeps Nowhere Special from being nothing special is the film’s delicacy, its unfussy simplicity, its perceptiveness. The empathy it brings to one man’s crushing decision makes this an affecting portrait of parental devotion.
- 75The Film StageJared MobarakThe Film StageJared MobarakNorton is wonderful in the role, lending it a vulnerability that shines through the stoic nature of a man doing his best to show no fear.
- 60The GuardianCath ClarkeThe GuardianCath ClarkeIt’s tender and poignant, but might be a bit cloying were it not for Norton, who underplays it beautifully with a performance of tremendous depth and empathy.
- 60Little White LiesAdam WoodwardLittle White LiesAdam WoodwardIt’s a competently made and compellingly acted film which will hopefully lead to us seeing a lot more of both filmmaker and lead actor.