---
title: "Beginners"
year: 2011
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/beginners"
fi1m_id: "beginners"
imdb_id: "tt1532503"
tmdb_id: 55347
wikidata_id: "Q814343"
fi1m_score: 79
critics_score: 79
critics_reviews: 17
published: "2026-10-01T21:30:37.243913+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-01T21:30:54.585721+00:00"
region: "HK"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Beginners (2011)

Directed by Mike Mills · 1h 45m · Drama, Romance, Comedy

## Identity

Beginners

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/beginners
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** beginners
- **IMDb ID:** tt1532503
- **TMDB ID:** 55347
- **Wikidata ID:** Q814343
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1532503/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/55347, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q814343

**Fi1m score: 79** · Critics 79 from 17 reviews

*In a sentence:* A Sigmund Freud costume is a sensible precaution when everyone brings this much family history to a party

> *Beginners* is worth an evening for its humour and Christopher Plummer, though its tentative romance sometimes becomes merely hesitant. Mike Mills finds real feeling in the pauses, but leaves a few too many of them.

## Synopsis

Oliver Fields (Ewan McGregor) is caught between grief and the possibility of romance. Hal Fields (Christopher Plummer) and Anna Wallace (Mélanie Laurent) occupy different parts of a story that moves backwards and forwards through Oliver’s life, bringing family experience into his attempts to get close to another person. A costume party includes a guest dressed as Sigmund Freud. Oliver wants companionship, but his hesitancy and his fear of loss make it difficult to accept. Memories interrupt the prospect of a new relationship, while the people around him bring their own uncertainties about love.

## Review

*Beginners* is a good, occasionally over-careful romance about accepting affection when grief already takes up much of the day. Mike Mills, who writes and directs, allows unhappiness to make people awkward without treating that awkwardness as a permanent excuse. We recommend it with a reservation about how often its central romance stalls. There are stretches when the hesitancy becomes trying, but the humour usually arrives before the film grows solemn.

Christopher Plummer gives Hal Fields the warmth that keeps the film from becoming too pleased with its sensitivity. He seems interested in whoever is beside him, which gives his humour an ease some of the more tentative exchanges lack. The affecting passages are easier to accept because there is also such pleasure in watching him enjoy himself. He makes the film feel more sociable whenever he appears.

Ewan McGregor has a less immediately rewarding part in Oliver Fields, whose passivity is both understandable and occasionally frustrating. He makes uncertainty believable, but the writing sometimes leaves him circling a feeling that has already been clear for several scenes. Mélanie Laurent brings enough presence to Anna Wallace to make the romance worth following, even when the attention keeps returning to Oliver’s difficulty with it. We could have spent less time considering his reluctance and more time getting to know her.

Then there is the costume party, with its Sigmund Freud disguise. We laughed, and felt fonder of the film for permitting such an obvious joke among its more careful observations. A gathering of people trying to understand one another is a reasonable place to turn up dressed as Freud. Jennifer Johnson’s costume design has a welcome sense of humour here, and the choice needs little elaboration.

Kasper Andersen’s cinematography suits the film’s gentle manner, although the attractive images occasionally make the sadness feel too comfortably arranged. Shane Valentino’s production design contributes to that impression of carefully chosen surroundings for difficult feelings. The care is appreciable, but we sometimes wished the film would risk looking less tasteful. Its more playful images help loosen things up while Oliver hesitates.

Olivier Bugge Coutté handles the movement between timelines without making the shifts feel like interruptions imposed for their own sake. They suggest how a memory can intrude on a day that was going reasonably well. That helps the fragmented structure feel appropriate to these people and their uncertainty. The music from Brian Reitzell, Roger Neill and Dave Palmer is sympathetic, though its gentleness sometimes reinforces a tenderness the performances have already supplied. At 105 minutes, the film still has room for a few pauses we would shorten.

A conventional romantic comedy might hurry these people towards being ready for one another, and we appreciate the time they are allowed. The trouble comes when patience becomes repetition, particularly around Oliver. Even then, the cast make spending time with these people agreeable enough that we forgive more than we would on the page. Choose it for a quiet evening, and allow Christopher Plummer to be the most sociable person present.

*Fi1m score 79, published 1 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics respond warmly to Beginners, finding its reflections on grief, love and family moving without becoming sentimental. Praise clusters around Christopher Plummer’s performance, repeatedly described as warm, funny and bittersweet. The reviews also welcome the playful visual storytelling and interwoven timelines, which give the intimate material an inventive shape. Several critics value the sympathy extended to its characters, while the romance earns praise for accommodating contradictions and the fear of loss.

The reservations concern focus and emotional distance rather than the performances. The Guardian finds Oliver’s passivity and the subdued tone obstacles to engagement; Empire enjoys the film but considers it too unfocused for an unqualified recommendation. Slant Magazine, by contrast, particularly admires the fragmented approach to grief and romance. The spread runs from enthusiasm to qualified approval, with no outright negative verdicts: the principal divide is over how readily the film’s indirect storytelling draws critics in.

## Straight answers

**Is Beginners worth watching?**

*Beginners* is worth watching for its humour, Christopher Plummer’s warmth and its patient treatment of grief and romance; we scored it 79. We recommend it for a quiet evening, provided a hesitant love story appeals: the cast make the company agreeable, but Oliver’s repeated uncertainty can become trying.

**How long is Beginners, and what is it rated?**

*Beginners* runs 1h 45m. It is a drama and romance film.

**Where can I watch Beginners in Hong Kong?**

*Beginners* is not on any streaming or rental service in Hong Kong at the moment. It is available in 29 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is Beginners, and is it suitable for children?**

*Beginners* has a UK 15 certificate, so it is not suitable for children under 15. Its treatment of grief and hesitant romance suggests an emotionally adult drama, but we cannot offer a specific warning about violence or frightening material from the details available; the certificate remains the clearest guide for younger viewers.

**How does Beginners compare to Late Spring?**

*Beginners* is the more gently comic choice beside [*Late Spring*](https://film.one/film/late-spring), though we recommend the latter more strongly for its deeply affecting father-and-daughter drama. Both patiently explore family affection complicating romance or marriage; *Beginners* sometimes lets hesitation become repetition, while *Late Spring* makes familiar family pressures painful to watch, with a deliberate pace that also requires patience.

**What should I watch after Beginners?**

After *Beginners*, try [*Late Spring*](https://film.one/film/late-spring) (1949, Fi1m 92): For another patient account of family affection complicating the prospect of marriage. Then [*The Lunchbox*](https://film.one/film/the-lunchbox) (2013, Fi1m 75): A hesitant romance that understands how much can depend on small courtesies.

### Reviews we read (17)

- **Slant Magazine**, Diego Semerene (4/4): Semerene calls the film “the real thing,” praising its humble, fragmented approach to a life in grief and love. He particularly admires how it holds human contradictions and the fear of loss within its romance. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/beginners/)
- **IndieWire**, Eric Kohn (A-): Kohn praises the film as a charming, gently sympathetic portrait of a midlife crisis. He singles out Christopher Plummer’s bittersweet performance and the film’s playful visual storytelling as particular strengths. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/review-a-gay-dad-and-a-mid-life-crisis-mike-millss-beginners-53945/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (90/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the film a continually surprising, amusing and introspective pleasure. She especially praises Christopher Plummer’s performance and the film’s inventive visual style. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2011-jun-03-la-et-beginners-20110603-story.html)
- **RogerEbert.com**, Roger Ebert (3.5/4): Roger Ebert finds the film warmly affecting and thoughtful about love and family. He singles out Christopher Plummer’s performance for praise. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/beginners-2011)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (85/100, inferred): Debruge finds the film deeply poignant, honest, and a major step forward for Mike Mills. He especially praises its revealing autobiographical intimacy and Christopher Plummer’s liberated performance. [Read](https://variety.com/2010/film/markets-festivals/beginners-1117943528/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Kirk Honeycutt (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film tender, funny, and emotionally genuine in its exploration of love. He especially praises its playful visual devices and the lively performances and chemistry among the cast. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/beginners-film-review-29996/)
- **Time Out**, Trevor Johnston (4/5): The review suggests the film takes time to make an impression, and the critic initially thought less of it. The available description does not identify a specific element singled out for praise or complaint. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/beginners)
- **Evening Standard** (75/100, inferred): The review finds the film charming and warmly sympathetic, with a strong emotional payoff. It especially praises Christopher Plummer’s performance and the dog’s comic presence. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/beginners-review-7425895.html)
- **Empire**, Anna Smith (65/100, inferred): Smith finds the film entertaining and well made, though too unfocused to be a must-see. She praises Christopher Plummer’s performance and the affectionate, well-observed scenes of Hal’s final days. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/beginners-review/)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (65/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the film poignant and cerebral, though its subdued tone and Oliver’s passivity sometimes make it hard to engage with. He singles out Christopher Plummer’s warm, intelligent performance for praise. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/jul/21/beginners-review)
- **Film Comment** (64/100, inferred): The accessible page identifies this as a review but provides no verdict. It offers no accessible detail about what the critic praises or criticizes. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/issues/may-june-2011/?pdfviewer=issue&pdf-page=68)
- **Screen Daily**, Allan Hunter (64/100, inferred): The review's verdict is unavailable in the accessible page text. No specific element of praise or criticism can be verified. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/beginners/5018104.article)
- **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The page is inaccessible, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No praise or complaint from the review is available to identify. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/03/movies/beginners-with-christopher-plummer-and-ewan-mcgregor-review.html)
- **Collider**, Jake Lasker (90/100, inferred): Lasker calls the film one of the year’s best and recommends the DVD to fans. He praises the performances and well-defined characters for keeping the romance from becoming clichéd. [Read](https://collider.com/beginners-dvd-review/)
- **Paste**, Jonathan Hickman (85/100, inferred): Hickman gives the film an enthusiastic verdict, praising its expansive, moving reflections on love. He especially singles out the performances of Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer for making the story resonate. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/beginners-review)
- **Eye for Film**, Jennie Kermode (80/100, inferred): Kermode finds the film an intelligent, profoundly optimistic romance that also explores how family and society shape relationships. She particularly praises its nuanced treatment of gay experience and history as part of the mainstream. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/beginners-film-review-by-jennie-kermode)
- **HeyUGuys**, Tracy Ladd (4/5): The critic finds the film beautifully told, emotionally rich, and worth its unconventional journey. She especially praises Christopher Plummer’s magnetic performance and the film’s interwoven timelines. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/beginners-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Mike Mills
- **Director:** Mike Mills
- **Writer:** Mike Mills
- **Cinematography:** Kasper Andersen
- **Editor:** Olivier Bugge Coutté
- **Music:** Brian Reitzell, Roger Neill, Dave Palmer
- **Production design:** Shane Valentino
- **Costume design:** Jennifer Johnson
- **Producer:** Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech, Miranda de Pencier
- **Cast:** Ewan McGregor as Oliver Fields; Christopher Plummer as Hal Fields; Mélanie Laurent as Anna Wallace; Goran Višnjić as Andy; Kai Lennox as Elliot; Mary Page Keller as Georgia Fields; Keegan Boos as Young Oliver; China Shavers as Shauna
- **Runtime:** 1h 45m
- **First release (Canada):** 11 September 2010
- **Genres:** Drama, Romance, Comedy
- **Budget:** $3 million
- **Box office:** $14 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA4OE09Bt60

## Where to watch in Hong Kong

Not streaming, renting or buying in Hong Kong at the last check.

Also available in: AR, AT, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, EE, ES, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IT, LT, MX, NL, PA, PH, PT, RO, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2012: Best Supporting Actor (won)

## If you liked this

- *20th Century Women* (2016): Another tender family portrait that allows affection and exasperation equal space.
- *Late Spring* (1949), Fi1m 92: For another patient account of family affection complicating the prospect of marriage. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/late-spring.md)
- *The Lunchbox* (2013), Fi1m 75: A hesitant romance that understands how much can depend on small courtesies. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-lunchbox.md)
- *Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore* (1974): Romance meets the practical business of starting again, without tidying everything away.
- *All or Nothing* (2002): Family unhappiness handled with less whimsy and an equally serious interest in kindness.

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/beginners