Michael
Michael Image
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Metascore
64 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics What's this?

User Score
6.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Starring: Christine Kain, David Rauchenberger, Michael Fuith, Ursula Strauss, Victor Tremmel
  • Summary: Michael, a seemingly meek insurance agent, has a secret: he's holding 10-year-old Wolfgang captive in a locked room in his basement. Chronicling a five month period, director Markus Schleinzer reveals a tense portrait of how seemingly mundane lives can hide the darkest secrets. Michael is a masterfully executed study of a monster with rich cinematic detail and unnerving insight. (Strand Releasing)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Stephen Holden
    Feb 16, 2012
    90
    This coldly compelling film doesn't try to explain Michael's behavior or analyze his disease. As if doing penance for Michael's sins, it eventually metes out unequivocal punishment, but it is small consolation.
  2. New Orleans Times-Picayune
    Reviewed by: Mike Scott
    Mar 9, 2012
    80
    Writer-director Markus Schleinzer's exceedingly dark drama -- guaranteed to make audiences squirm in their seats -- is emotionally unsettling.
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Walter Addiego
    May 12, 2012
    50
    A film that's hard to watch and hard to recommend.
  4. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Andrew Schenker
    Feb 14, 2012
    38
    A (relatively) tasteful and restrained approach to potentially lurid subject matter isn't necessarily any better than one that gives in freely to what might be seen as a filmmaker's baser impulses.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. thejoker_5
    10
    Impressive use of cinema I must say. Nothing too visually shocking; rather, it will mentally shock you to your core. However, this movie was perfection, as far as movie making goes. I can't think of a thing I would change to make it better. Additionally, the lead actor is magnificent! He nailed it, so to speak (no pun intended). You really feel like you're there. You have the opportunity to spend a month (or some time period I can't remember) in the life of a mentally deranged person. Sad story, but very well made and worth your time. The thing is- this stuff happens in real life, so deal with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Haneke (director) is a genius - try REC or Funny Games if you haven't already....… Expand
  2. Inductivist
    6
    I liked that flat, matter-of-fact style juxtaposed with the horror of what was happening, but the director went a little too far with the boring scenes. You feel like someone might be making fun of you when they've got you paying to watch people put jigsaw puzzles together.… Expand
  3. Balazs31
    6
    I expected more from this movie. It wasn`t bad, but when it started to get exciting it suddenly ended. They should have gone deeper into the issue of pedos...… Expand

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