Last night, the highly-anticipated world premiere of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer took place at Le Grand Rex in Paris. The star-studded ensemble cast, including Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Cillian Murphy, and Robert Downey Jr., graced the event to witness the first big screening of this three-hour historical epic, presented in thrilling IMAX format.
As expected, critics have been blown away by the film, with many hailing it as one of Nolan’s greatest achievements. Oppenheimer tells the true story of Robert J Oppenheimer, often referred to as “the father of the atomic bomb,” whose groundbreaking invention during World War II forever changed the landscape of modern warfare. Let’s take a closer look at what the critics had to say about this monumental film.
Total Film: Oppenheimer left me utterly stunned—a grand character study beautifully portrayed by Cillian Murphy. The film combines the scale of an epic historical drama with Nolan’s signature tension, remarkable visuals, and engaging sound design. Prepare to be wowed.
Telegraph: Oppenheimer is an extraordinary knockout that left me emotional and speechless. This captivating film penetrates deep into your consciousness, evoking a plethora of emotions. Tears flowed freely during the end credits, lingering long after the final scene.
Fandango: Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a magnificent cinematic experience, delivering electrifying performances and an incredible pacing that will leave you breathless. It manages to be both intimately introspective and ferociously thrilling. Make sure to catch it in IMAX 70mm—it’s destined to become a favorite of 2023.
Sunday Times: Oppenheimer is a gripping, talkative, and tense film that centers partly around the bomb and mostly around the inherent doomed nature of humanity. The summer may be cheerful, but this audacious and intricate film is definitely not. While Cillian Murphy shines, the exceptional supporting cast, including Damon, Downey Jr., and Ehrenreich, adds some much-needed humor. Despite some shortcomings in the portrayal of female characters, Oppenheimer easily secures a spot in my top three Nolan films, alongside Memento and The Prestige.
Associated Press: Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a truly spectacular achievement, featuring a faithful and concise adaptation, ingenious storytelling, and brilliant performances from the likes of Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., and Matt Damon, among others. It’s challenging to capture the depth of this philosophical adult drama in a tweet, but know that Oppenheimer is as thrilling and thought-provoking as Dunkirk. There is one awe-inspiring moment that will leave you breathless.
Vulture: Oppenheimer is nothing short of incredible. The word “fearsome” perfectly captures the relentless pace, intricate detail, and building tension of this historical drama. Christopher Nolan masterfully builds suspense until he delivers a mind-blowing and emotionally shattering climax.
The Playlist: My initial skepticism vanished after watching Oppenheimer last week. Despite its three-hour runtime, the film’s dense and Scorsese-like narrative captivates throughout. The final 20 minutes, brilliantly performed by Emily Blunt, brings the three narrative threads to a deeply moving conclusion.
Atom: Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece, Oppenheimer, is a bold and tragic exploration of humanity’s darkest hour. The riveting performances, breathtaking imagery, and profound emotions make this more than just another biopic—it is undoubtedly the greatest historical film ever made. A fitting end to a remarkable journey.
Collider: Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, is an incredible achievement in every aspect. From the stellar cast performances to Hoyte van Hoytema’s exceptional cinematography and Nolan’s masterful storytelling, the film never feels its lengthy runtime. For the ultimate experience, catch it in IMAX 70mm.
CinemaBlend: I believe Oppenheimer is Christopher Nolan’s equivalent of JFK—a film I adore. Cillian Murphy’s mesmerizing performance elevates this star-studded exploration of the moral dilemmas posed by scientific progress. The entire cast delivers outstanding work, and despite the dense historical context, Nolan’s storytelling remains accessible and streamlined.
Oppenheimer hits UK cinemas on July 21, 2023.
