The Pass (2016)

The critic calls the film refreshing, nuanced and urgently worthwhile, despite some forced dialogue. They praise Russell Tovey’s nuanced portrayal of a closeted footballer under pressure.

Freer finds the drama compelling despite its static, stagey feel. He singles out Russell Tovey’s layered performance and the sharp writing for giving the intimate story depth.

O'Sullivan finds the film a wrenching, sharply observed look at betrayals and the cost of protecting a public image. She singles out Russell Tovey's performance as sublime and praises Arinzé Kene for matching his magnetic presence.

Bradshaw finds the drama ambitious and insightful, though its stage origins sometimes show. He particularly praises Russell Tovey’s performance as his character moves from innocence to fear and loneliness.

Bray finds the film absorbing and theatrically constrained, but says its tense chamber-piece approach works. She especially praises Russell Tovey’s knockout performance as a closeted soccer player.

The page identifies this as Fionnuala Halligan’s review of Ben A. Williams’s 2016 film. The paywall hides the verdict and any specific praise or complaint.

The critic calls the film urgent, raw, unmissable, and a real achievement. He singles out Russell Tovey’s performance and the compelling chemistry between the two leads.

Concannon finds the film sharp and emotionally rich, though it never quite overcomes its staginess. He singles out Russell Tovey’s vulnerable, knockout performance and the play’s witty, gripping writing.

The critic calls the film poignant and provocative despite flaws, finding its portrayal of repression uncomfortably realistic. They praise Russell Tovey and Arinzé Kene’s lead performances, especially their nuanced portrayals of Jason and Ade.

The critic finds the film largely effective, though its small scale and occasional melodrama hold it back. They single out the powerful performances by Russell Tovey and Arinzé Kene for praise.

The critic finds the film modest but focused and skillful, while noting that it remains stagey. Tovey’s emotionally exposed performance is singled out for making Jason’s plight touching despite his cruelty.