58
Metascore
20 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenThe movie is truly a tree-hugger's delight (I confess to being one such hugger) that makes the most of its metaphors without straining toward supernatural schmaltz.
- 75New York PostV.A. MusettoNew York PostV.A. MusettoBe warned: The Tree is slow-moving, but if given a chance, it will (pardon the pun) grow on you.
- 67The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe A.V. ClubNoel MurrayYes, the idea that the tree/father is literally tearing this family apart is way too blunt, but Gainsbourg and Davies sell it by playing the scenes naturally, with minimal histrionics.
- 60New York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierNew York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierFalls short of being revelatory, yet has a mysterious, sturdy power that grows on you.
- 60Boxoffice MagazineRichard MoweBoxoffice MagazineRichard MoweStunningly shot by cinematographer Nigel Bluck (Handsome Harry) the film captures beautifully the magic of the foliage and the surrounding landscapes.
- 55NPRScott TobiasNPRScott TobiasOn a technical level, The Tree marks a significant advance over the humble utility of Bertuccelli's previous film, drinking in Australia's pastoral majesty with an abundant eye for beauty that falls just short of the intended poetry. Yet the characters aren't nearly as resonant.
- 50Slant MagazineAndrew SchenkerSlant MagazineAndrew SchenkerThis is one film that's overly reliant on a dubious central symbol, schematically employed.
- 50The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Liam LaceyThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Liam LaceyBy the time we reach the climactic ending, the script clearly calls for an exorcist with a chainsaw to trim back this metaphor run amok.
- 50Village VoiceMelissa AndersonVillage VoiceMelissa AndersonIn her second film, writer-director Julie Bertuccelli, adapting Judy Pascoe's 2002 novel, "Our Father Who Art in the Tree," is sometimes partial to clumsy dialogue and scattershot pacing.