62
Metascore
24 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83The Film StageJordan RuimyThe Film StageJordan RuimyWakefield fights formula and creates its own unique cinematic language.
- 75Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreWakefield is a sometimes funny, always smart movie that never quite finds the depth to be brilliant.
- 70Screen DailyTim GriersonScreen DailyTim GriersonAlthough Wakefield’s ending leaves open the possibility for multiple interpretations, the filmmaker removes the sting from her story’s tale, which keeps its insights from cutting as deep.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterTodd McCarthyThe Hollywood ReporterTodd McCarthySwicord took on a daunting challenge in adapting this piece, and she’s met it more intelligently than convincingly. It would have been asking a lot from any actor to carry this film, and Cranston has done the heavy lifting and more.
- 60VarietyPeter DebrugeVarietyPeter DebrugeCranston humanizes his sociopathic character, which is essential, considering that Wakefield is essentially a one-man show whose star grows increasingly creepy as his beard fills in and his fingernails lengthen and turn back.
- 58IndieWireDavid EhrlichIndieWireDavid EhrlichSwicord, perhaps a touch too reverent of Doctorow’s writing, can’t quite solve the limited emotional range of her protagonist.
- 58The A.V. ClubEsther ZuckermanThe A.V. ClubEsther ZuckermanIt’s a tale of what happens when male inadequacy runs rampant, starring a committed Bryan Cranston, but it’s ultimately hamstrung by its overwrought sensibilities.
- 40The GuardianNigel M SmithThe GuardianNigel M SmithCranston acts the hell out of the role, like he’s performing Macbeth in a room. Unfortunately his commitment isn’t enough to sell Wakefield as anything more than a hollow character study, with an unappealing tool at its core.
- 38Slant MagazineDerek SmithSlant MagazineDerek SmithWriter-director Robin Swicord's film seems content to merely carry out its absurdist premise until the bitter end.
- 25The PlaylistGregory EllwoodThe PlaylistGregory EllwoodIt goes without saying that Cranston has a lot to carry on his shoulders and he does an admirable job. It’s hard not to laugh every so often at one of Wakefield’s snide remarks and that’s effectively because of how Cranston sells it. But even this accomplished actor can’t make you feel any sympathy for a character whose actions defy convention in the most unimaginative ways.