71
Metascore
10 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90Los Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinLos Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinChiklis is first-rate as Adrian’s tough, deceptively aware Vietnam-vet father, while Madsen’s gentle, luminous portrayal of a deeply adoring mother is heartbreakingly authentic — and utterly award-worthy.
- 90The New York TimesGlenn KennyThe New York TimesGlenn KennyCory Michael Smith’s performance as Adrian is a quiet marvel in a movie that’s superbly acted all around. The film’s intimate consideration of still-enormous issues is intelligent, surprising and emotionally resonant.
- 88RogerEbert.comMatt Zoller SeitzRogerEbert.comMatt Zoller SeitzIt feels immediate and rings true, thanks to the performances of its lead actors, and the storytelling of director Yen Tan and his co-writer, co-editor. and cinematographer, the single-named Hutch.
- 80TheWrapDan CallahanTheWrapDan Callahan1985 is a film that is full of virtues, not least the acting talent of its cast, who are all expert at conveying a lot of subtext underneath words and physical behavior. It seems clear that Tan (“Pit Stop”) has worked with his actors very closely and sensitively, and he has won deeply felt work from them.
- 80The Observer (UK)Simran HansThe Observer (UK)Simran HansMalaysian-born writer-director Yen Tan shoots stylishly in black and white 16mm, each frame a tasteful photograph. What’s most skilful, though, is the way he succeeds in complicating archetypes.
- 75IndieWireJude DryIndieWireJude DryWriter-director Yen Tan renders Adrian’s world with understated intensity; each frame feels so precise, as if the scenery is holding its breath along with Adrian. Every silence, every space left open, echoes the liminal moments between what the characters say and what they mean.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyThe Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyTan's screenplay — from a story he developed with his mononymous producer, cinematographer and co-editor, HutcH — doesn't entirely avoid cliche. But the integrity of the performances, the believability of the relationships and the authenticity of the milieu keep it from spilling over into mawkishness.
- 63Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreThere’s little that’s new here, but the performances give this time capsule picture heart, with Madsen, Smith and Chiklis taking their archetypal characters beyond “type.”
- 60Screen DailyDavid D'ArcyScreen DailyDavid D'ArcyEven with uneasiness dripping from Smith as Adrian, the acting in 1985 is like the script – stiff. 1985 gets the notes right, and its foreboding look takes us back to a dark age. It’s a lesson worth remembering. Yet with all the prejudice and pain, the film still feels a lot like a sermon.
- 25Slant MagazineDiego SemereneSlant MagazineDiego SemereneAdrian is too flat as a character, his plight too generic, for his tears to count as something other than a sentimental ready-made.