The supremely talented, Ian McKellen is an absolute delight in Steven Soderbergh’s latest film, The Christophers (2025). Set in London, Ian McKellen plays Julian Sklar – a once celebrated artist now living alone in a big townhouse. Although there’s still hints of his buzzing artistic energy. Each room filled with some form of the artistic process – paintbrushes, easels, and paintings sprawled across the townhouse – every floor filled with the exuberant personality of Julian Sklar.
But as an artist, he’s inevitably fallen upon hard times. Keeping up with today’s trends – he films videos for fans as he talks to his phone camera and its very TikTok-esque. But he doesn’t seem to mind the monotonous nonsense of it all as its easy money. It’s clear Julian has so much more of his artistic mind to give. Soon changing up his life is Lori Butler, played rather brilliantly by Michaela Coel. Hired by Julian’s children – Sallie (Jessica Gunning) and Barnaby (James Corden), Lori doesn’t quite realise the expansive nature for what her new job entails. As a former art student, she knows the beauty behind the portraits.
However, Sallie and Barnaby have other plans for her – hiring her to find “The Christophers” – a sought-after portrait series on Julian’s ex-lover, Christopher. If she can’t find the series, she must replicate and forge his painting style. But the beautiful chemistry between Lori and Julian merges two generations of artists together. What they come to realise is that they aren’t too different after all. As struggling talented artists, they both open up emotionally to one another in a story of unlikely friendship. Both with tough exteriors – they come back at each other like two forces fighting the same battle.
Bringing Laughs, Tears & Affection
Set in one location – writer Ed Soloman and director Steven Sodenbergh achieve so much here with its location, characters, and story. They isolate the characters to mainly Julian’s townhouse which gains a sense of closeness between Lori and Julian. For American filmmakers to grasp the essence of London so well here is no easy feat. It’s rather a refreshing watch for an inter-generational story on friendship and artistic integrity. With a talented small cast that is both well-written and well directed – this light-hearted comedy brings laughs, tears, and affection.
Ian McKellen brings his usual brilliantly bright, ever-quirky, and witty humour to the big screen. His pessimistic and sarcastic wit as Julian feels all-too-real. Ian McKellen possesses an undeniably powerful stage presence and excels in comedic timing. His delightfully uproarious performance as Julian is a standout in cinema so far this year.
Meanwhile Michaela Coel’s Lori battles with choosing between doing the right thing and earning a substantial amount of money which could change the trajectory of her life. For the money-grabbing Barnaby and Sallie – James Corden and Jessica Gunning are superbly well-cast as adult children who act like spoilt young brats as they feed off their father’s well-earned, talented inheritance.
Throughout The Christophers it yearns for the audience to have faith that life will turn out just how it’s supposed to and to remain positive to all of its randomness. Since being a young contestant on the competition reality show, Art Fight – Lori came up against Julian’s judging. It’s what happens when two opposites collide. Michaela Coel brings a fierceness to her force-to-be-reckoned with personality. She’s boldly bright, ambitious, and can certainly stand her ground.
An Inter-generational story on Friendship and Artistic Integrity
On the opposing side is a pessimistic Julian who has seemingly fallen out of love with his passion for art. But a talented and passionate ex-art student in Lori is exactly what he needed to fall back in love with his passion. He begins painting again but this time it’s not perfectionism but expressing his freedom which comes across in his art. Julian evolves his style as his mindset shifts to leaving behind a legacy that he’s happy with. He’s evaluating what it means to be an artist who sadly is reaching an age where he questions his ability to paint. He’s tired of his greedy children. Deep down it’s clear he wants a friendship that’s real. And the ending is certainly emotional and sentimental. For an inter-generational story of friendship, The Christophers showcases what happens when friendship, art, and understanding comes together.
Rating: 3 ½ Stars
The Christophers is available to watch across UK cinemas now. You can read more reviews, including The Drama (2025) here.
