--- title: "Spa Weekend: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/spa-weekend/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/spa-weekend" critics_score: 39 critics_reviews: 10 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." --- # Spa Weekend (2026): what the critics said Critics' score 39 from 10 reviews: 1 positive, 1 mixed, 8 negative. Most critics find Spa Weekend a weak ensemble comedy whose cast deserves better material. The praise centres on Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Michelle Buteau and Anna Faris, with Fisher’s energy and Buteau’s comic delivery drawing particular approval. Even several negative reviews find something to enjoy in the performances. The prevailing complaint is that predictable jokes, thin characters and repetitive slapstick leave the film’s satire of wellness culture short of bite. The disagreement concerns how much the performers can rescue. IndieWire finds a messy but spirited comedy sustained by the four leads’ chemistry, while Time Out enjoys the friendship and humour despite the formula, particularly Buteau’s jokes. These are exceptions in a largely negative set of reviews. Elsewhere, reservations range from disappointment at tame antics and shallow emotion to stronger objections about condescending treatment of the women. For most critics, the occasional laugh does not compensate for the weak script. ## IndieWire — Kate Erbland Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 20 August 2026. The critic sees the film as a messy but spirited vehicle for its four funny leads, calling it unhinged and sometimes funny despite flaws. She singles out the strong ensemble chemistry among Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Michelle Buteau and Anna Faris. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/spa-weekend-review-leslie-mann-isla-fisher-michelle-buteau-1235211346/) ## Time Out — India Lawrence Rating 3/5. 19 August 2026. The critic finds it a formulaic but fun buddy comedy that satirizes wellness culture with laughs and heart, though clunky at times. Praises the leads' performances, especially Buteau's jokes. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/spa-weekend-review-2026) ## The AV Club — Jesse Hassenger Rating D+. 21 August 2026. The critic calls the film a dire, scattershot comedy that feels like a weak Bad Moms companion piece, with little convincing character work or sustained laughs. She singles out the underused leads and repetitive, SNL-sketch-like set pieces. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/spa-weekend-review) ## Radio Times — Emma Simmonds Rating 2/5. 21 August 2026. The critic sees it as a missed opportunity for sharp satire on self-care and middle-aged life, with some laughs but relying on clichés and weak script; verdict is negative, not worth taking the trip. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/spa-weekend-review/) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Angie Han Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 22 August 2026. The critic finds the film a disappointing comedy where a likable cast is let down by tame hijinks and shallow emotion. She singles out the talented stars' underutilization despite their skills shown in better films. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/spa-weekend-review-leslie-mann-isla-fisher-anna-faris-1236678914/) ## Variety — Owen Gleiberman Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 21 August 2026. The review notes the film satirizes wellness culture but finds the jokes tired and predictable, with archetypal characters; it suggests the high-concept comedy genre is waning, though Fisher's performance is highlighted positively in parts. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/spa-weekend-review-leslie-mann-anna-faris-1236840170/) ## Los Angeles Times — Katie Walsh Fi1m's normalised score 30/100 (inferred from the text). 21 August 2026. The critic finds the comedy hacky and condescending, criticizing the directors for their approach to female characters, but praises Isla Fisher's energetic performance as the chaotic friend who brings liberation to the group. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2026-08-21/spa-weekend-review-isla-fisher-leslie-mann-michelle-buteau-anna-faris-jon-lucas-scott-moore) ## The Guardian Fi1m's normalised score 20/100 (inferred from the text). 21 August 2026. The film is a dud comedy without gags that is afraid to be funny or mean-spirited. It turns the premise of a chaotic friends' spa weekend into overly sentimental slush instead of sharp humour. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/aug/21/spa-weekend-review-comedy) ## The Telegraph — Tim Robey Rating 1/5. 21 August 2026. This female-led farce is woefully weak and joyless, with precious few laughs despite the cast. It recycles a tired formula of messy slapstick that falls flat compared to better ensemble comedies. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2026/08/21/spa-weekend-review/) ## The Wrap Fi1m's normalised score 25/100 (inferred from the text). 21 August 2026. The critic finds the film a humorless and mediocre buddy comedy that fails to deliver laughs or originality despite a talented cast of comedians. Michelle Buteau's more developed character and performance are singled out as the strongest element amid otherwise half-baked material and perfunctory gags. [Read the review](https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/spa-weekend-review/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/spa-weekend.md