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Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critics What's this?

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  • Summary: Recovering alcoholic stage actress, Thea Barfoed has gone through turmoil. Having divorced her husband, Christian, and relinquished custody of their two boys during her heavy drinking days, Thea wants to start over. As her past alcohol use and indiscretions still haunt her, the reality of a new beginning seems bleak. Thea uses her inner actress’s charm and manipulation to convince her ex-husband that she is fully recovered and capable of being a good mother to their children; however, she hasn’t completely convinced herself. (World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation) Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Reviewed by: Lisa Schwarzbaum
    Jan 20, 2011
    91
    In his debut feature, the director is wise enough to move his hand-held camera wherever Steen wants to go.
  2. Reviewed by: Betsy Sharkey
    Jan 20, 2011
    80
    It is a singular performance and a deeply affecting if imperfect film.
  3. Reviewed by: Ryan Lattanzio
    Apr 13, 2012
    75
    Applause is a very minor film with a massive performance at its center.
  4. 60
    The feature directorial debut of Martin Zandvliet, Applause has moments of flourish and moments that reach towards something as pared down as Thea's play.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Paprika Steen does and amazing job in this film. The sum of all the subtle nuances in her performance (the sideways glances the trembling hands, etc.) add up to and incredibly well done and captivating performance. And with the great majority of the film shot in extreme closeup on Steen, in his directorial debut, Martin Zandvliet, proved he knew where this film's power lies. It may be true to say that this otherwise average film is carried by Steen's performance, but she proves she is more than capable of the task. I will be interested to see what she does next. Expand

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