The Special Relationship (2010)

Garron finds the film thoughtful, revealing, and honest in its account of power and politics. He praises its well-chosen cast and high production values.

Hogan finds the film compelling and elegiac, presenting Blair’s virtues as seeds of his later hubris. He particularly praises Michael Sheen’s mastery of Blair’s eager manner and expressions.

The review finds the film uneven, with rushed and chaotic storytelling undermining an otherwise strong central story. It especially praises Michael Sheen’s nuanced performance as Blair, which helps ground the film.

Hale finds the film engaging overall. Its treatment of the Blair–Clinton relationship is a central strength.

Jolin finds the film close but ultimately hampered by a rushed pace that leaves its subject matter underserved. He praises the transformative performances, especially Dennis Quaid’s striking Arkansas accent.

McNamara finds this the weakest entry in the trilogy, criticizing its idealized Blair and the strained portrayal of Clinton. She praises Hope Davis’s sharp Hillary Clinton and says the final scenes regain much of the trilogy’s power.

Swanson finds the film decent but the weakest entry in the Blair trilogy, with an episodic story built around an underdeveloped central idea. He singles out Hope Davis’s nuanced portrayal of Hillary Clinton, especially during the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

Lowry finds the film an undistinguished and episodic addition to Peter Morgan’s Blair trilogy. He praises Michael Sheen’s accomplished portrayal of Blair, but says the Clinton performances remain impressions rather than fully realized characters.