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Deadline
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: James Greenberg
    80
    The film is an example of social activism at its best; it's not only enlightening, but it's an engrossing story that a smart television audience should embrace.
  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Dennis Harvey
    80
    Potent docudocu by Katy Chevigny and Kirsten Johnson makes a strong case against capital punishment by pointing up the fallibility of the justice system, while offering an inspiring portrait of one politico who actually seems guided foremost by conscience.
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    A sober, even low-key documentary about how the American death penalty system is broken and probably can’t be fixed.
  4. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    75
    A prime example of advocacy journalism--a form often criticized but perfectly honorable. Most importantly, it gives you a chance to ruminate on some crucial questions of human error, justice and life-and-death.
  5. New York Post
    Reviewed by: V.A. Musetto
    75
    So potent, it could change the mind of even the most staunch defender of capital punishment.
  6. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Curiel
    75
    There is no rage here or Michael Moore-like bluster. Instead, Deadline is a straightforward, compassionate look at a volatile subject.
  7. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    70
    Rarely has the argument against the death penalty been made so articulately, or so poignantly.
  8. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Ben Kenigsberg
    70
    What Deadline lacks in heft it makes up for in common sense.
  9. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Anita Gates
    70
    Not as dynamic as it should be, given the punch of the story it tells, but it makes its points.
  10. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: J.R. Jones
    70
    At 92 minutes this could hardly be considered a definitive statement, yet its combination of high drama and carefully articulated principle delivers quite a punch.
  11. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    60
    Deadline contributes reason and passion to the ongoing debate about whether civilized nations should employ the ultimate punishment and how justly it is administered.
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