Stevie
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
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  1. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    100
    It's no accident that this movie is named after both the filmmaker and his subject. It stands with the most thoughtful releases of recent months, and will linger in memory.
  2. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    100
    It's hard to recall the last movie that has left such an emotionally searing question dangling in the mind: "What if ... ?"
  3. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Keith Phipps
    90
    Neither condemning nor forgiving, the film is a model of documentary evenhandedness, even though James makes no claims of objectivity.
  4. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    90
    The tragic tale that emerges is full of powerful lessons and impenetrable mysteries
  5. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    88
    Stevie seems destined to end the way it does, and is the more courageous and powerful for it. A satisfying ending would have been a lie.
  6. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    88
    So troubling and unflinchingly honest that watching it becomes a test of empathy and compassion.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    83
    Gripping in its intimacy.
  8. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: William Arnold
    83
    Grueling but ultimately rewarding new documentary.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. AngelaW.
    10
    I have never seen a film so close to the reality that many deny exists. A story that had to be told.
  2. TracyL.
    9
    Working in foster care and once living in the same area as this young man I was particularly drawn to watching this documentary. When will adults realize that their actions will forever effect the decisions their children will make for their future?...Whether they be good OR bad. I hope the families involved find the peace that they so deserve and avoid the drama that engulfs their lives.… Full Review »
  3. C.A.
    10
    This a very well done, brutally honest documentary on what it's like to be a mentor, the struggle to make the world a better place, and the reality of poverty, diminished capacity, and someone who can't top himself from making bad decisions.… Full Review »
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