41
Metascore
20 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Philadelphia InquirerTirdad DerakhshaniPhiladelphia InquirerTirdad DerakhshaniWith its clever structure and pacing, its range of emotional notes, and its remarkable use of magic realism, The 9th Life of Louis Drax makes for an absorbing and memorable mystery.
- 75The Seattle TimesSoren AndersenThe Seattle TimesSoren AndersenThe picture is like an onion. There are layers here, and beneath them more layers. Peeling them back with surgical skill, director Alexandre Aja reveals complicated family dynamics.
- 60The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawThe result is a supernatural mystery thriller, slightly overcooked and tonally odd – and uncertain if its juvenile lead is supposed to be cute or sinister. But it is watchable and even intriguing in its weird way.
- 60Total FilmJamie GrahamTotal FilmJamie GrahamAs in director Alexandre Aja’s Horns, the action alternates reality/fantasy to middling effect.
- 50The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Kate TaylorThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Kate TaylorThe result is an intriguing but uneven thriller that doesn’t fully establish the tone and style that would be needed for an audience to accept its supernatural plot.
- 30The Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenThe Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenBy the time director Alexandre Aja brings together the pieces with an illuminating pang of emotion, most viewers’ confusion will have given way to indifference.
- 30The New York TimesNeil GenzlingerThe New York TimesNeil GenzlingerIt’s not clear whether The 9th Life of Louis Drax is deliberately inconsistent or merely an example of confused filmmaking. One thing is certain, however: It sure leaves an unpleasant aftertaste.
- 30Los Angeles TimesRobert AbeleLos Angeles TimesRobert AbeleIt’s an off-putting mix of matters whimsical and disturbing, more obvious and ludicrous than chilling.
- 25Slant MagazineEd GonzalezSlant MagazineEd GonzalezEvery incident in the film is a time-bidding maneuver, completely and unimaginatively untethered from logic.