Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Shelter
Metascore
66 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
view
per page
  1. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Grant Butler
    83
    There's real chemistry between the two actors.
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    75
    Features a superb performance in the lead role, a strong supporting cast, very good cinematography and, most of all, emotional authenticity.
  3. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Maitland McDonagh
    75
    Markowitz 's low key coming of age/coming out story isn't particularly original, but features subtle performances and a vivid sense of place.
  4. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Chuck Wilson
    70
    Wright is a find, while Rowe may surprise those who dismissed him as a Brad Pitt look-alike when he first came to attention in "Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss." Here, Rowe displays new authority and confidence, as if lately he's been looking in the mirror and seeing himself, rather than that other, more famous blond.
  5. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Jeannette Catsoulis
    70
    Coming out has rarely looked so pretty.
  6. Variety
    Reviewed by: Dennis Harvey
    70
    A pleasant romantic drama that works best when focused on the romance -- or on the waves, since the principal characters spend a lot of time surfing.
  7. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Albert Williams
    70
    What might have been a routine coming-out story is enriched by Wright's accomplished and honest performance, Markowitz's straightforward dialogue, and Joseph White's cinematography of the majestic surf and melancholy sunsets off Malibu.
  8. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Elizabeth Weitzman
    63
    Actors Trevor Wright and Brad Rowe are good enough to turn a formulaic coming-out tale into a sweet romance.
  9. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Wesley Morris
    63
    Shelter is a gay movie like other American gay movies. Boy meets boy. Boy comes out. Boys fight opposition. Opposition caves. If there's life beyond the closet, too few movies know it exists.
  10. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Ed Gonzalez
    60
    As far as coming-out dramas go, Shelter is a puppy dog, well-acted but rife with clich้ received wisdom and at least one ingeniously arbitrary bit of mid-scene dialogue: "That's why you never tell a woman how to cook a chicken."
  11. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Bill White
    42
    The script sounds like literal diary transcripts, the camerawork tests the limits of eyestrain, and the soundtrack bleats with mediocre pop songs by unknowns.
prev next
Page:
  • 1

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. jimmytancredi
    6
    I finished this movie and I'm really delighted. The script, with many clichés though, it’s lacking in boldness. However, is there something more cliché than life itself? The movie is well grounded, to evaluate in some respects, the script is so simple, basic, it may fall short on one hand, on the other not. It is with this mild form, subtle, daily, the film is so close to the viewer. The leading actor, congratulations, I realized that he stood out for his performance in this film by the press and public at the time, and after also in other studies. He has talent. So say the other actors that worked really well in the set. The characters also super common, do not fail to be valuable, I belonged, to many characters there who were so simple. The ending surprised me. I spent the whole movie thinking, "That boy out from nowhere kisses a guy, hooks up with him, and fails to have an existential question? A question? Was he gay, straight, what happened?” Then came the director and wow, I loved that it wasn’t explicit in the film, he ultimately gave an "impact", especially the dialogue with his girlfriend. The soundtrack, I found it well suited to the scenario. The photograph, though wasn’t so worked, I think due to the lack of budget, it is very beautiful, especially for abusing natural of landscapes, as well as paintings, art (when Zach sits in front of the wall he painted, and the camera goes on distance, letting him down all the painting, sky, beautiful thought, a scene that represents the movie for me). The director, we shall realize that he’s great, I loved the scene in a "flashback" in the middle of the film, perhaps with a larger budget, would came out something more perfect still. Worth checking out, I submit to anyone, regardless of sexual orientation.… Full Review »
  2. mediaman23
    10
    What a uplifting surprise! Being a baby boomer who was part of the Gay Liberation movement right after Stonewall, it was a special treat to, finally, see an American made independent film that handled human relationships so expertly. These have been far and few, alas. This totally satisfying film deserves far more attention and acclaim. Well done, with a shout-out to an on-target Brad Rowe.… Full Review »
  3. MartinJ
    10
    Ditto! This is a movie for the heart that offers its fair share of intellectual rewards. What is particularly amazing is that it takes every trite romantic plot device and delivers them with a sense of intimacy and authenticity. The result is a universal love story about connecting with one's true self while reaching out to others.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »