61
Metascore
34 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83IndieWireDavid EhrlichIndieWireDavid EhrlichAbrupt to a fault but still unexpectedly moving, their perpendicular journeys back to a place of mutual appreciation ring true enough in a time when narcissism can bring joy to people around the planet, and altruism isn’t enough to guarantee a connection with your own kids.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeFore[A] bitterly funny, clear-eyed debut.
- 75Entertainment WeeklyLeah GreenblattEntertainment WeeklyLeah GreenblattAdapting the script from his own 2020 audio play, Eisenberg treats his cast with measured acidity, drawing out their snarky moods and narcissistic missteps without mocking them too cruelly; you may not particularly love these characters, but that's no match for how little they like themselves.
- 75The PlaylistMarya E. GatesThe PlaylistMarya E. GatesIts many playful edits, careful world-building, stellar performances, and insightful screenplay suggest Eisenberg is a filmmaker with a deep understanding of form and an empathetic grasp of the flaws that make us human.
- 67ConsequenceMary SirokyConsequenceMary SirokyIt feels timely and relevant, and Eisenberg demonstrates clear aptitude both as writer and director. For as many questions as it raises, though, it’s a shame the movie itself isn’t quite sure how it wants them to be answered.
- 63Paste MagazineJacob OllerPaste MagazineJacob OllerPrickly characters and a knack for mortifying situations strain to break free from When You Finish Saving the World’s limited and dispassionate plotting.
- 50The Film StageJordan RaupThe Film StageJordan RaupDespite an under-developed script, Wolfhard and Moore both deliver strong performances as their characters continue their parallel tracks, with narcissism blocking the desire to achieve their true goals and neither truly listening to the person they want to make happy.
- 50SlashfilmChris EvangelistaSlashfilmChris EvangelistaAwkwardness ends up being the name of the game here, with Eisenberg constructing an intentional cringefest; the type of movie that has you squirming uncomfortably as you're forced to watch oblivious characters make total asses of themselves.
- 40The GuardianBenjamin LeeThe GuardianBenjamin LeeIt’s a film of people telling themselves they’re making a difference without really doing much of anything and it’s hard not to feel similarly unmoved by the time it’s all over.