71
Metascore
16 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80Village VoiceJ. HobermanVillage VoiceJ. HobermanSkillfully directed and adroitly acted.
- 80Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonGarrone's movie finds a disconcerting niche between edgy character thriller and black comedy.
- 80VarietyDavid RooneyVarietyDavid RooneyDirector Matteo Garrone's measured approach and soulfully humane focus combine to dignify the characters, allowing the tale of solitude, longing and sorrow to inch quietly under the viewer's skin.
- 80Washington PostAnn HornadayWashington PostAnn HornadayA bummer, but one that manages to stick to its depraved convictions until the strange and bitter end.
- 75New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanAt moments, the story skirts uncomfortably close to the grotesque. But this atmospheric oddity delivers a surprisingly sensitive take on the overwhelming ache of loneliness.
- 75Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittMahieux gives a bravura performance as the title character. Director Garrone keeps the story involving even though it doesn't quite live up to the star's strong talents.
- 75New York PostV.A. MusettoNew York PostV.A. MusettoDirector and co-writer Matteo Garrone infuses The Embalmer with a spooky eroticism. The film is dark, both in theme and visual composition.
- 70The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenThe screenplay evokes this psychosexual power struggle with perfect accuracy and finely tuned performances.
- 60The A.V. ClubScott TobiasThe A.V. ClubScott TobiasBoth the actor and the character deserve a better movie, one that might have channeled the latter's desires into more than just a few rote genre thrills.