At the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, Natalie Portman’s latest film, ‘The Gallerist,’ has sparked mixed reviews among critics and audiences alike. Directed by Cathy Yan, known for her work on “Birds of Prey,” the dark art-world satire features Portman in a leading role that has left viewers divided on its success.
In ‘The Gallerist,’ Portman plays a character caught in the high-stakes world of contemporary art, where a dark comedy unfolds as a body becomes part of an art exhibit. The film attempts to satirize the absurdity of the modern art scene, but some critics have found the execution lacking in both humor and depth.
IndieWire’s review of the film criticizes ‘The Gallerist’ for being an “uninspired misfire” where the chemistry between actors, including Portman and co-stars Jenna Ortega and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, fails to resonate with the audience. The Guardian similarly describes the film as a “pained and grating misfire” that misses the mark in delivering a successful satire on the art world.
However, not all reviews have been negative. Deadline’s review praises Portman’s performance, calling her a “force to be reckoned with” in the film. The review highlights the film’s exploration of complex themes and Portman’s portrayal of a character navigating the politics and pressures of the art world.
The divisive reception of ‘The Gallerist’ at Sundance reflects the subjective nature of art and entertainment, where different viewers may interpret and appreciate a film in contrasting ways. While some critics have lauded Portman’s performance and the film’s thematic depth, others have criticized its execution and comedic delivery.
As ‘The Gallerist’ continues to screen at the Sundance Film Festival and seeks distribution, the debate surrounding its artistic merit and cultural commentary is likely to persist. Whether the film will find a broader audience and critical acclaim remains to be seen, but its polarizing reception underscores the complexities of creating satirical works in the entertainment industry.
Overall, ‘The Gallerist’ serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between art, satire, and societal critique, inviting viewers to reflect on the nature of contemporary art and the boundaries of humor and social commentary.
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References:
– Deadline. (2026, January 25). ‘The Gallerist’ Review: Natalie Portman Is A Force To Be Reckoned With In Cathy Yan’s Dark Art-World Satire – Sundance Film Festival. https://deadline.com/2026/01/the-gallerist-review-natalie-portman-cathy-yan-jenna-ortega-sundance-1236696036/
– IndieWire. (2026, January 25). ‘The Gallerist’ Review: Natalie Portman Takes Cheap Shots at the Art World in a Schematic, Unfunny Satire. https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/the-gallerist-review-natalie-portman-1235175215/
– The Guardian. (2026, January 25). The Gallerist review – Natalie Portman flounders in tiring art world caper. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/25/the-gallerist-review-natalie-portman
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