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Puzzle
2018
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63 %
83 %
Certified Fresh
$ 1 Million
See Where to Watch
Puzzle
Positive Reviews
89
Negative reviews
24
Average Rating
3.4
/5
important
beautiful
dramatic
wonderful
fascinating
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Positive
Negative
2.0
Macdonald... refuses to let Agnes be an easy avatar for midlife longing and suburban discontent. With her fierce, strange energy at the center, the fi ..
EW
1.5
Damsel is a good film, particularly because of its acting and originality, but falls short of greatness.
Rogerebert
3.8
A million tiny revelations make up one massive arc, and Kelly Macdonald positively radiates hope and joy throughout that process.
Rogerebert
5.0
Its hard to convincingly convey a brilliant mind; Khan does it with panache.
Common Sense Media
4.5
Puzzle toes a tough line, managing to stay relentlessly good hearted and deeply humane, even as Agnes herself plunges into deeper, more dramatic water ..
Indie Wire
3.0
Puzzle toes a tough line, managing to stay relentlessly good hearted and deeply humane, even as Agnes herself plunges into deeper, more dramatic water ..
Indie Wire
1.5
Its a surprising question, since hes doting, faithful, never violent, but hopelessly provincial.
Variety
4.0
Lovely, subtle work from Macdonald, as her character blossoms and her horizons broaden, gives the film a warmth and magnetism.
The Guardian
3.0
Shuttling into Manhattan, shes steered towards competitive puzzling by cosmopolitan migr Robert (a nicely understated Irrfan Khan), a spiritual guru w ..
The Guardian
2.5
The film buoyed by Kelly Macdonald, whos a master of understated vulnerability, but she cant steer it out of the doldrums.
3.8
In Puzzle, Macdonald has finally found a movie that she doesnt need to steal, because it belongs to her completely.
1.5
Its fair to say that solving jigsaws is not a hobby which lends itself to thrilling cinema. But, accompanied by a pleasant rippling score from Dustin ..
Screen Daily
4.5
The most beautiful thing about Puzzle is how theres nothing grandiose about it.
Collider
0.5
But theres a magnetism between them, which Im not sure is so much chemistry as it is Khans mesmerizing embodiment of the role.
Vulture
1.5
A slow, respectably compelling start that recalls David Finchers The Game (narratively, if not tonally) eventually gives way to a more rote thriller w ..
The Hollywood Reporter
2.5
The intricacies of Puzzle may not fully occupy the viewers mind, but the film passes muster as a diverting pastime.
4.5
Like a bedtime cup of cocoa, Marc Turtletaubs Puzzle has a soothing familiarity that quiets the mind and settles the spirit.
The New York Times
2.0
Whats to dislike here Hardly anything its finding things actively to like that poses more of a problem.
Telegraph
4.5
Macdonald has never starred in a film until Puzzle, and her delicate but deeply felt performance, along with the work of... Irrfan Khan and the rest o ..
4.0
To be fair, if youve seen 2010 Argentinian drama Rompecabezas you will have seen it before, but even so Marc Turtletaubs American remake (scripted by ..
4.4
Neither triumph nor resignation seem quite right for the remarkable Agnes.
The Globe And Mail
3.0
May be an old fashioned take on a womans liberation from a stultifying life, but its high craftsmanship, coupled with Macdonalds exceptional performan ..
One Guys Opinion
1.5
Im not sure that thats intentional, a fake out crafted to jar us.
Village Voice
3.8
For Agnes, the decision isnt between a mysterious, handsome New York lover and a mean, nasty New Jersey husband.
ReelViews
3.0
Captures growth without the comfort of clich, providing fascinating characterizations, personal choices, and a rare depiction of puzzling as a heated ..
Blu Ray
1.5
In case you were wondering, the jigsaw puzzles are a metaphor for the wifes identity.
Chicago Reader
3.8
The majority of the films success is in how well Macdonald plays Agnes growth into her own person...
Mark Reviews Movies
2.0
Puzzle satisfies deeply as its heroine finds the pieces missing from her life.
3.0
Kelly Macdonald, always a fine actor, is finally given a starring role and she goes to town.
2.5
The spinning its wheels effectively (and demonstrably) dulls the impact of the pictures third act revelations, which is too bad, certainly, given that ..
Reel Film Reviews
2.5
Macdonald has always been a welcome onscreen presence, and Puzzle offers the actress maybe her meatiest movie role yet. She finds the honesty amongst ..
News Review
1.0
This is a slow burning film but Macdonalds performance galvanises it.
Independent
3.5
This is a random encounter, but that doesnt mean its not profound.
Shadows On The Wall
3.5
Its a low stakes redemption story that resonates on a grander scale.
Pop Matters
4.5
Its a remake of Natalia Smirnoffs 2009 film Rompecabezas and yet it doesnt feel like an empty rehash.
The Wrap
1.9
That kind of quasi profundity threatens to push Puzzle into self parody. (
News Day
4.0
Puzzle just kind of chugs along at its own pace, one of those small movies that packs a bigger punch, one in which, sorry, all the pieces fit.
Az Central
3.0
Its a showcase for Macdonald, and 22 years on from Trainspotting the Scottish actress displays a mixture of soulful struggle and defiant will to chang ..
Smh
3.0
Kelly Macdonald is exquisite, bringing a lovely freshness and authentic life to a familiar sort of character. Even a script that is often improbable a ..
3.8
Turtletaub goes deep on character, allowing Macdonald and Khan to reveal details of their lives, and also their dreams and fears, in a manner thats as ..
Toronto Star
3.0
Its a charming, if somewhat slight look at learning to love and prioritise yourself.
Flim List
4.5
While things in her marriage arent perfect theres a sheen of numbing monotony, and lack of personal consideration theres still a foundation that theyv ..
Film Inquiry
4.0
As with a jigsaw puzzle, the overall picture may look familiar, but theres a real sense that craftsmanship has gone in to making sure each of the piec ..
Eye For Film
3.5
Aimed at an adult audience, its a subtly compassionate character study, enhanced by Kelly Macdonald and Irrfan Khan.
Susang Ranger
3.8
Its a film without requisite excitement (jigsaw puzzles dont generate much in the way of pulsating cinema).
Observer
2.0
The metaphor is there and obvious; characters dont need to overexplain the point of the movie.
Flickering Myth
1.5
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film. Yet the play of emotions on Macdonalds face tells of worries and wounds much deeper than a ..
New Yorker
2.5
Kelly Macdonald and Irrfan Kahn are most important pieces in this Puzzle.
Boston Herald
3.0
With its affectionally nerdy premise, Movermans script, based on Natalia Smirnoffs 2010 Argentinian drama, is adept at keying in onand I cant believe ..
The Film Stage
3.1
Macdonald is so good, on her own or with a scene partner, director Marc Turtletaubs movie refuses to fall apart.
Chicago Tribune
3.1
Why cant the film maintain its subtler shadings throughout Its a puzzle.
Boston Globe
3.0
Its not a great script, but Macdonald and Khan are wonderful, and you have to respect any movie that can make jigsaw puzzling seem erotic.
Uproxx
4.0
Her eventual quiet triumph is among the years most hankie dampening moments.
The Irish Times
4.5
Puzzle isnt what Id call transcendent cinema, but it is a surprisingly engaging film with a premise that lesser filmmakers would have conceived for ap ..
Birth Movies Death
4.5
I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly bri ..
Tony Medley
3.8
Yet the heartbreaking depth of Khans introspective performance still resonates, the gifted actor manufacturing a three dimensional portrait of romanti ..
Movie Freak
3.0
Puzzle is truly a showcase for Macdonald, who doesnt get enough of those, and she is luminous.
Detroit News
4.4
Its one of those performances that feels authentic to such a degree that you actually forget youre watching someone act.
Aisle Seat
4.0
A charming take on a much loved film which manages to stay true to the original throughout.
Hey U Guys
3.0
Turtletaub does have a hard time finding a way to conclude Agnes story, but he ends Puzzle on such a delightful note of simplicity, that this near per ..
The Play List
4.5
Puzzle isnt a movie about someone finding whats missing from her life, though.
Film School Rejects
3.5
The films pulse comes in many ways from Macdonalds brave and beautiful work as Agnes.
Raidió Teilifís Éireann
3.0
Given Macdonalds warmth and presence this film really ought to be more charming than it is; theres just not enough of a story here.
Lw Lies
4.3
Puzzle puts her front and center as Agnes, a Connecticut woman married to Louie (David Denman), an affable but unimaginative auto mechanic who doesnt ..
Ar Kansas Online
2.0
Macdonald repeatedly pulls the story out of the lurch with a performance that exists almost entirely in her wonderfully expressive face.
Patriot Ledger
3.8
How wonderful it is to see this fine actress carry a film and carry it so beautifully.
Chicago Sun Times
4.0
Puzzle is a quiet wonder, one of those little films that comes out each year and leaves an indelible mark
Punch Drunk Critics
1.5
Surprising is the directors lack of interest in making the jigsaw metaphor a jumping off point for deeper thoughts or creative visuals. The biggest he ..
Straight
2.0
For his part, director Marc Turtletaubs Gods Behaving Badly, an imaginative romp of Greek gods turned loose in New York may be more boldly imaginative ..
Shockya
5.0
Who knew Before seeing this movie I would have thought it might be the equivalent of making a movie about watching paint dry.
Dead Line
3.0
Its a quiet film that sneaks up on you on how emotionally powerful it is.
Dennis Schwartz Reviews
4.5
Kelly Macdonald delivers a strong performance as all the pieces fit nicely into Puzzle.
Solzy At The Movies
2.0
The main gripe with Puzzle is it doesnt seem to understand or at least communicate whats going on in the head of its own protagonist.
The Skinny
2.0
Plays more like a metaphor in search of a movie than a particularly great showcase for the often underused Scottish star.
Scots Man
2.0
But this movie, Turtletaubs second try at feature directing, isnt a small scale crowdpleaser like any of those.
Film Avclub
3.0
As the character grows Macdonalds performance gets even more complex, and even when the story gets a little formulaic the emotional investment remains ..
Bowling Green Daily News
3.8
Puzzle becomes a low key pleasure, with all its pieces fitting together nicely.
Seattle Times
4.5
Macdonald plays Agnes, a traditional, church going homemaker in a barely functional, passionless marriage with emotionally manipulative Louie (David D ..
Film Journal International ..
3.0
What conducts most of the energy is the warmth, charm and radiance generated by the two leads. They even sell the false notes with honesty, humanity, ..
Fresh Fiction
4.5
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National Post
3.0
For reasons that are unclear, Agnes, doesnt tell her husband or family what shes up to.
Original Cin
4.5
As if Macdonald isnt genius casting enough, the film really comes into its own with the introduction of Irrfan Kkan (The Lunchbox, Slumdog Millionaire ..
Third Coast Review
4.0
Think Jill Clayburgh in An Unmarried Woman; think Kelly Macdonald in Puzzle.
New City Film
3.5
Puzzle is a small film with substantial texture, that provides Macdonald and Khan with real characters to inhabit.
Daily Film Fix
2.5
Its entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional.
Datebook Sfchronicle
3.8
By remaining plugged into Agnes emotions, focusing on her rising sense of who she is and what she wants, and by giving Macdonald the space and attenti ..
Sf Examiner
4.5
Despite the heavy handed metaphor use, the not as obvious journey getting there is sweet and worthwhile.
Vulture
4.5
The film has a breezy scope that shines a proverbial light on a refreshingly different kind of female empowerment that tiptoes into gentle territories ..
Screen Anarchy
4.5
Director Marc Turtletaub respects the performances, which are all first rate and Puzzle tallies a distinct if minor victory.
Denerstein Unleashed Blog ..
3.0
Just focus on how Kelly Macdonald beautifully lets her mid 20th century type of woman slowly bloom and the inventiveness of Irrfan Khans irresistible ..
Film Forward
4.5
Puzzle, although slow, is a beautiful and significant puzzle of its own.
Kdhx
4.5
This film is very well put together, and it shows how making one small change can lead to unexpected adventure.
Movies and Shakers
4.5
Im an unabashed Kelly Macdonald fan. If you share my admiration for her, Puzzle is a must see.
Leonard Mal
3.8
Puzzle, a slight but thoughtful drama, gives Macdonald a more prominent role than she usually gets, and she makes the most of it.
Movie Cricket
3.8
But this is the first time shes ever really carried a film, and shes frankly wonderful.
Seattle Weekly
3.0
In fact, we dont even witness any culmination to an edge of your seat championship round!
Looking Closer
3.5
He doesnt even believe in pattern; to Robert, his life has proved its all coincidence.
Caution Spoilers
3.5
It of course isnt a perfect filmthis isnt exactly something notable aside from its more progressive aspects.
Film Monthly
2.0
Replace puzzles with just about any other activity you can think of bread making, swing dancing, bird watching and youll likely have the same film as ..
Sa Current
4.4
It was Danny Boyles 1996 film Trainspotting that introduced audiences to then 20 year old Kelly Macdonald. The Scottish actress delivers the performan ..
Victoria Advocate
1.5
It isnt until its over that we discover that the birthday was hers, And thats Agness life in a nutshell.
Daily Public
4.0
The whole thing plays out rather predictably, but Turtletaub doesnt try to obscure the obvious.
Ex Press
3.8
Puzzle steadfastly refuses to adhere to formula, instead going for something messier and more authentic.
Madison
3.0
Puzzle isnt perfect and doesnt feel fresh or necessary, but its a comfortable way to spend some time exploring the world through a characters expandin ..
High Def Digest
1.5
Which is the strength of Puzzle, the fact that it refuses to portray both these characters and the situations they find themselves in as mere clichs.
Spokane7
4.0
She doesnt seem too pleased with the phone but is more interested in the next gift a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle.
We Are Movie Geeks
4.0
A mild mannered effort allowing new director Turtletaub to step softly, this is a must see for the legion of Macdonald fans.
Its Just Movies
4.5
The real reason for catching Puzzle... is the old fashioned pleasure of experiencing a meeting of two unusual minds.
Bay Area Reporter
4.5
It is the audience who wins, however, thanks to Macdonalds gently nuanced performance.
Awfj
4.0
A well intentioned and well crafted slice of gentle drama full of warmth, charm and with more than enough worthwhile things to say.
The National
4.5
She doesnt live a life of quiet desperation; she doesnt know enough to be desperate.
America Magazine
3.8
Macdonalds gentle energy and nuanced feelings peek through small looks, glances and thoughts in a lovely underdog story.
Phoenix Film Festival
3.0
None of these characters puppets or otherwise are worth watching or caring about.
AXS.com
4.5
Puzzle doesnt offer earth shattering surprises, but finds an understated power in capturing the satisfaction and jittery anticipation of finding the m ..
Rochester City Newspaper
3.0
Slow in its telling but strong in its acting. Puzzle will appeal to movie purists but not the everyday moviegoer.
Jackiek Cooper
4.5
But if it seems like shes just trading one man for another, well, sometimes the pieces dont all fit together the way you think theyre going to.
KMUW - Wichita Public Radi ..
3.0
As cliched as this may sound, the films virtuous slightness prevents an expected trite rendering.
Film Mixtape
2.5
Its all pretty low stakes stuff, and director Marc Turtletaub presents it in a subdued manner that often drains the urgency from even the most dramati ..
In Lander
4.4
You have to make sure that youre putting the most important things first.
Art House Film Wire
1.5
Even the gimmicky final plot twist is perfectly coherent which as far as Im concerned, is more important than polish anyway.
See Where to Watch
Puzzle