--- title: "Cyrano" year: 2021 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/cyrano" fi1m_id: "cyrano" imdb_id: "tt12889404" tmdb_id: 730047 wikidata_id: "Q104845839" fi1m_score: 75 critics_score: 70 critics_reviews: 25 published: "2026-10-03T02:05:47.051018+00:00" updated: "2026-10-03T02:05:47.554516+00:00" region: "CH" 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." --- # Cyrano (2021) Directed by Joe Wright · 2h 02m · Drama, Romance ## Identity Cyrano - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/cyrano - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** cyrano - **IMDb ID:** tt12889404 - **TMDB ID:** 730047 - **Wikidata ID:** Q104845839 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12889404/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/730047, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104845839 **Fi1m score: 75** · Critics 70 from 25 reviews *In a sentence:* Peter Dinklage makes someone else’s romantic confession hurt more than any of his own songs > Peter Dinklage makes Joe Wright’s musical romance worth the occasional wait. The songs are uneven and the decoration sometimes distracting, but the pain of listening to someone you love talk about somebody else comes through. ## Synopsis Cyrano de Bergerac (Peter Dinklage) loves Roxanne (Haley Bennett), but cannot bring himself to tell her. Roxanne has a confidence of her own: she is in love with Christian de Neuvillette (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). As she tells Cyrano about her feelings, he must listen without revealing what the news means to him. An accepted challenge and a letter to Roxanne give him other occasions to express himself. With Roxanne looking towards Christian, Cyrano faces the problem of finding words for a woman who wants somebody else. ## Review Joe Wright’s *Cyrano* is an uneven musical romance with a performance worth making time for. Peter Dinklage gives the familiar misery of loving someone who wants somebody else enough particular hurt to make the story matter again. The songs are less reliable, and the film sometimes pauses to admire its finery when it ought to be getting on. Still, we would recommend it to anyone with patience for an earnest romantic musical. The clearest reason comes when Roxanne tells Cyrano that she loves Christian. Peter Dinklage lets hope give way to the effort of listening without giving himself away, and we felt painfully sorry for him. Haley Bennett keeps the confession alive while the person hearing it quietly suffers, her excitement making his disappointment harder to watch. He can neither stop listening nor ask for comfort. It is a small exchange, and the film is at its most persuasive when it gives that sort of discomfort time. Turning love letters into songs is a sensible idea: words intended for one person can be heard by everyone. Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner supply music that understands the longing, but too many of the numbers settle into it without finding a tune that stays with us. Peter Dinklage’s limited singing is less of a problem than the material around it; the strain suits a man struggling to make himself understood. Haley Bennett is the more assured singer, though assurance alone cannot give the weaker songs a purpose. Seamus McGarvey’s pastel photography and Sarah Greenwood’s ornate production design make the dance numbers easy to enjoy. The pale colours suit the romance, and Joe Wright gives movement enough attention that people dancing can briefly restore the energy lost in the conversations. We would happily have had more of that lightness. Yet the accumulation of decorative detail can be wearing: even a modest exchange seems to have been dressed for a grand occasion. Erica Schmidt’s screenplay is less generous to Roxanne, whose desires rarely develop beyond the romantic problem at hand. Haley Bennett gives her conviction, but we wanted more of the woman doing the choosing. Kelvin Harrison Jr. has the awkward task of making Christian worth all this anguish while the film keeps drawing attention back to Cyrano. He makes the attraction plausible, but the writing gives him little room to complicate it. Valerio Bonelli’s editing does not quite solve the problem of moving between a conversation and a number. The film can seem to be gathering itself to sing just when the scene has begun to hold our attention. This is where the solemnity becomes a drawback: the pauses ask for an emotional investment that the song does not always reward. We never doubted the strength of Cyrano’s feelings, but we did sometimes wish he could get on with expressing them. A romantic musical need not have a flawless singer at its centre. The difficulty of getting a feeling out can be part of the attraction, and Peter Dinklage makes that difficulty matter here. Those who need every number to send them away humming may find this a frustrating evening. Go for the man trying not to show how much a conversation has hurt him. *Fi1m score 75, published 3 October 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics respond warmly to Cyrano, with Peter Dinklage’s performance providing the clearest point of agreement. The reviews repeatedly praise his charisma, vulnerability and ability to make the familiar character’s longing feel immediate. Joe Wright’s direction also wins support for its inventive staging, while the costumes, pastel colours and graceful movement give the romance much of its appeal. For its admirers, the musical approach makes the story moving despite an uneven pace. Reservations cluster around the songs: some critics find them stirring, while others hear few memorable hooks or feel the numbers interrupt the drama. Several reviews describe a slow, overly ornate film whose emotional force takes too long to emerge. The spread is wide, from enthusiastic support to one pronounced rejection. The New Yorker objects that bombast replaces poetic imagination and that this Cyrano lacks the character’s defining wit and rage. ## Straight answers **Is Cyrano worth watching?** *Cyrano* is worth watching for Peter Dinklage’s quietly painful performance, and we score it 75. We recommend it to anyone with patience for an earnest romantic musical, though the songs are uneven and the ornate decoration sometimes distracts. The strongest moments come when Cyrano has to listen without revealing how much he is hurting. **How long is Cyrano, and what is it rated?** *Cyrano* runs 2h 02m. It is a drama and romance film. **Where can I watch Cyrano in Switzerland?** *Cyrano* is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Switzerland, and it is also available to rent from Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video from CHF 4.50. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is Cyrano, and is it suitable for children?** *Cyrano* has a UK 12A certificate, meaning children under 12 need an accompanying adult at the cinema. That certificate alone does not tell us how intense any violence or frightening material is, so we cannot offer a specific reassurance for sensitive children. Its earnest romantic disappointment and uneven musical pacing make it a more natural choice for interested teenagers and adults. **How does Cyrano compare to The Umbrellas of Cherbourg?** *Cyrano* is the less musically satisfying choice beside [*The Umbrellas of Cherbourg*](https://film.one/film/the-umbrellas-of-cherbourg), though both treat romantic disappointment seriously. We recommend the sung-through *Umbrellas* for Michel Legrand’s sustained use of a few memorable tunes; *Cyrano* moves less comfortably between dialogue and uneven songs. Its particular reason to watch is Peter Dinklage making the effort to conceal hurt painfully convincing. **What should I watch after Cyrano?** After *Cyrano*, try [*The Umbrellas of Cherbourg*](https://film.one/film/the-umbrellas-of-cherbourg) (1964, Fi1m 88): For another musical that treats romantic disappointment as something worth singing about. Then [*The Lunchbox*](https://film.one/film/the-lunchbox) (2013, Fi1m 75): Letters let guarded people risk an intimacy they cannot yet manage face to face; and [*Bright Star*](https://film.one/film/bright-star) (2009, Fi1m 82): A romance attentive to poetry, hesitation and the physical business of longing. ### Reviews we read (25) - **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (92/100, inferred): Ebiri calls the film a delicate, deeply romantic dream that turns unrequited love into a moving, expansive experience. He especially praises Peter Dinklage’s expressive performance and the film’s sensual use of song, movement, and letters. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/movie-review-joe-wrights-cyrano-starring-peter-dinklage.html) - **Variety**, Peter Debruge (Critics Pick): The critic praises the film as a fresh, poetic reinvention of the romantic classic. He especially singles out Joe Wright’s inventive direction and visually dazzling staging. [Read](https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/cyrano-review-peter-dinklage-joe-wright-1235055301/) - **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (4/5): The review finds the musical romance slow to come alive but ultimately moving and worthwhile. It praises Peter Dinklage’s performance and singing, while criticizing the wait for the film’s emotional force to emerge. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/cyrano-movie-review-peter-dinklage-haley-bennett-joe-wright-musical-b984344.html) - **Little White Lies**, Leila Latif (3/4/3): Latif finds the adaptation charismatic and enjoyable but ultimately insubstantial. She praises its vivid pastel visuals, exquisite costumes and graceful dance numbers. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/cyrano) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Stephen Farber (80/100, inferred): Farber calls the musical one of the year’s highlights and Joe Wright’s best film, despite some problematic elements. He especially praises the stunning visuals and the emotional force of Dinklage and Bennett’s final scene. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/cyrano-telluride-2021-1235009647/) - **The AV Club**, Mike D'Angelo (B): D’Angelo finds this Cyrano solid, with an inspired musical concept undermined by Peter Dinklage’s limited singing. He especially praises Dinklage’s nuanced acting in the scene where Cyrano realizes Roxanne loves Christian. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/peter-dinklage-and-his-perfectly-ordinary-nose-make-for-1848214191) - **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (75/100, inferred): Chang finds the musical sweet, earnest and intermittently enchanting, though its retelling can feel uneven. He singles out Peter Dinklage’s soulful, vulnerable performance as the film’s sustaining strength. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-02-24/cyrano-review-peter-dinklage-joe-wright) - **Empire**, Ian Freer (70/100, inferred): Freer finds the adaptation eccentric and occasionally over-ornate, but inventive, visually lush, and worth seeing. He singles out Peter Dinklage’s vulnerable, charismatic performance as the film’s anchor. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/cyrano/) - **IndieWire**, David Ehrlich (B-): Ehrlich finds the film eccentric and only intermittently effective, though its boldness and Dinklage’s performance make it worth singing about. He particularly praises Dinklage’s poignant portrayal of Cyrano’s self-doubt, while faulting the musical numbers for lacking memorable hooks. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/cyrano-review-peter-dinklage-1234662047/) - **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (70/100, inferred): The standfirst signals a positive verdict on Joe Wright’s musical adaptation. It singles out Peter Dinklage as stealing the show. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/cyrano-review/5163444.article) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (70/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the film slower and more solemn than expected, but considers Dinklage persuasive and captivating in the title role. He singles out Dinklage’s natural charisma and piercing commitment as the film’s strengths. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/feb/23/cyrano-review-peter-dinklage-joe-wright) - **The i Paper**, Christina Newland (70/100, inferred): Newland finds Cyrano enjoyable and beautifully crafted, though it lacks momentum and lasting impact. She singles out Peter Dinklage’s charismatic, melancholic performance as the film’s chief strength. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/cyrano-de-bergerac-review-peter-dinklage-musical-joe-wright-haley-bennett-1482154) - **Radio Times**, Kelly-Anne Taylor (3/5): Taylor calls it a palatable adaptation, though the songs succeed unevenly. She singles out Peter Dinklage’s Cyrano and the musical transformation of the play, while noting variable success in adapting the letters into songs. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-blcgcs/cyrano/) - **Time Out**, Cathy Brennan (3/5): The review presents this as an earnest musical adaptation, with Peter Dinklage a hero to root for. It singles out his charisma as the film’s strength. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/cyrano-2021) - **Slant Magazine**, Chuck Bowen (2/4): Bowen finds the film overindulgent and insufficiently attentive to the play’s emotional core. He praises the finale’s piercing sadness and Peter Dinklage’s affecting performance. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/cyrano-review-joe-wright-peter-dinklage/) - **The New Yorker**, Richard Brody (10/100, inferred): Brody finds the adaptation thuddingly dull, with its bombast substituting for poetic imagination. He particularly objects to how it strips Cyrano of the fiery wit and rage that define the character. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/cyrano-reviewed-a-musical-adaptation-plagued-by-niceness) - **Eye for Film**, Jennie Kermode (95/100, inferred): Kermode calls the film an unmissable, emotionally powerful adaptation that restores the story’s ambiguities. She especially praises Peter Dinklage’s performance and Haley Bennett’s singing as Roxanne. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/cyrano-2021-film-review-by-jennie-kermode) - **Collider**, Ross Bonaime (A-): Bonaime calls the film one of the best recent musicals, praising Peter Dinklage’s heartbreaking performance and the music. He notes that Roxanne is underdeveloped when the film focuses on her alone. [Read](https://collider.com/cyrano-review-peter-dinklage-joe-wright-haley-bennett/) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (90/100, inferred): Hammond praises the film as a fresh, moving musical adaptation, led by Peter Dinklage’s vivid portrayal of Cyrano. He singles out Dinklage for making the familiar character feel newly alive. [Read](https://deadline.com/2021/09/cyrano-review-peter-dinklage-telluride-1234827078/) - **/Film**, Hoai-Tran Bui (7.5/10): Bui finds Cyrano an uneven but visually pleasing musical romance, elevated by a revelatory Peter Dinklage performance. She especially praises Dinklage’s expressive, yearning portrayal, while faulting the songs and occasional awkward musical staging. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/774641/cyrano-review-peter-dinklage-is-a-romantic-revelation-in-joe-wrights-handsome-musical-adaptation/) - **HeyUGuys** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds Joe Wright’s adaptation respectful and romantically affecting, though several songs are forgettable and the casting raises a concern. Peter Dinklage’s charm and standout performance are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/cyrano-review/) - **Paste**, Jesse Hassenger (6.5/10): Hassenger finds the film polished but overly conventional, with musical numbers that rarely achieve the story’s emotional highs. He praises Peter Dinklage’s soulful, multifaceted performance as Cyrano. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/joe-wright/cyrano-review) - **The Playlist** (64/100, inferred): The page is blocked, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No praise or complaint can be verified from the available text. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/peter-dinklage-cyrano-telluride-review-20210903/) - **NME** (★★★): The critic finds the adaptation well-intentioned but ultimately unnecessary and unable to come together. They praise the Dessner brothers’ stirring soundtrack, especially the moving song “Wherever I Fall.” [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/cyrano-review-peter-dinklage-3137016) - **The Wrap** (50/100, inferred): The critic finds the adaptation bittersweet, with enjoyable highs undermined by painful lows. Dinklage’s passionate performance stands out, while the forgettable, poorly timed songs disrupt the story. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/cyrano-film-review-peter-dinklage/) ## Details - **Director:** Joe Wright - **Director:** Joe Wright - **Screenplay:** Erica Schmidt - **Cinematography:** Seamus McGarvey - **Editor:** Valerio Bonelli - **Music:** Bryce Dessner, Aaron Dessner - **Production design:** Sarah Greenwood - **Costume design:** Massimo Cantini Parrini, Jacqueline Durran - **Producer:** Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan, Guy Heeley - **Cast:** Peter Dinklage as Cyrano de Bergerac; Haley Bennett as Roxanne; Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Christian de Neuvillette; Ben Mendelsohn as De Guiche; Monica Dolan as Marie; Bashir Salahuddin as Le Bret; Joshua James as Valvert; Anjana Vasan as Sister Claire - **Runtime:** 2h 02m - **First release (the US):** 2 September 2021 - **Genres:** Drama, Romance - **Also in:** [Golden Globe Best Musical or Comedy winners](https://film.one/collections/golden-globe-comedy.md) (Nominee, 2021) - **Budget:** $20 million - **Box office:** $6 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOInHcgmKus ## Where to watch in Switzerland - Amazon Prime Video: add-on - Apple TV: rent CHF 4.50, hd - Amazon Prime Video: rent CHF 4.50, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy CHF 14.00, hd - Apple TV: buy CHF 19.00, hd *Checked 2026-10-03.* Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, US, VN. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *The Umbrellas of Cherbourg* (1964), Fi1m 88: For another musical that treats romantic disappointment as something worth singing about. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-umbrellas-of-cherbourg.md) - *The Lunchbox* (2013), Fi1m 75: Letters let guarded people risk an intimacy they cannot yet manage face to face. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-lunchbox.md) - *Bright Star* (2009), Fi1m 82: A romance attentive to poetry, hesitation and the physical business of longing. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/bright-star.md) - *Roxanne* (1987): The same romantic predicament, with more jokes and a lighter touch. - *In the Mood for Love* (2000), Fi1m 91: For restrained performances that make an unspoken attachment feel difficult to bear. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/in-the-mood-for-love.md) --- © 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/cyrano