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Chrystal
Metascore
65 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Duane Byrge
    90
    A grand story of redemption, laced with barbecued wit and slopped with intrigue, Chrystal is a high heaping of brilliant storytelling.
  2. Charlotte Observer
    Reviewed by: Lawrence Toppman
    75
    One of those movies that sticks to your mind like a briar to wool slacks. It has no revelations, no high drama, no heartbreaking tragedy. What it does have is bone-deep honesty, and that's enough for once.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Crust
    70
    Chrystal unravels a bit toward the end as it becomes more fable-like, but the performances make it worthwhile.
  4. Variety
    Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy
    70
    Respectable piece of work is reasonably involving if not compelling.
  5. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marrit Ingman
    67
    Even at its most contrived, the filmmakers believe in this project so passionately that its atmosphere seems absolutely real.
  6. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Brad Slager
    60
    Dark and quiet is the tone from start to finish.
  7. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Scott Foundas
    60
    McKinnon's direction is nothing if not atmospheric -- his best scenes unfold with a pungent languor that suggests the power of the backwoods to turn hours into days and days into years. If only the sum total were a movie more "In the Bedroom" than it is everything-but-the-kitchen-sink.
  8. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Noel Murray
    60
    If the people in Chrystal are intended to be authentic, why do none of them look like they've ever seen the inside of a Wal-Mart?
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 3 out of 7
  1. GregT.
    5
    Intense but dour. The sets alone could lead you to suicide. Everyone is redeemed but with a load of effort.
  2. JimM.
    3
    Painful to sit through. Some scenes over-theatrical with much scenery chewing. Dialogue a hoot. Plot contrived with stock characters. Faulkner meets Al Capp.… Full Review »
  3. Kitten
    3
    Although beautifully pkotographed, I was very disappointed. The potential to make this a GREAT film was there, but it fell far shot. I would have liked to have seen this movie with a little less implied sex and stereotypical characters, and a lot more time spent giving us a real look into the hearts and minds of the characters. BRAVO to Grace Z...the best actor in the entire piece.… Full Review »
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