By the time the final measure of rough cosmic justice is meted out, The Square has completed a tour of moral squalor that is suspenseful, invigorating and sometimes harshly funny.
The occasional missteps (some overly precious symbolism, the grimy DV look) rarely get in the way of the film’s many winces, gasps, and breathless, cringing anticipation.
80
The Hollywood ReporterSheri Linden
The Hollywood ReporterSheri Linden
A well-made and entertaining descent into a black-comic hell.
70
Variety
Variety
A tasty neo-noir from the James M. Cain school of lust-driven dirty dealings, The Square reps a promising debut by Aussie stuntman-turned-helmer Nash Edgerton.
As one might expect from stuntman-turned-director Nash Edgerton, the action is well staged.
60
Time OutStephen Garrett
Time OutStephen Garrett
What is impressive is the filmmaker’s facility with atmosphere, plus his ripe eye for giving blue-collar bruisers just enough dimension to make them more than mouth-breathing meatheads.
For the Edgerton brothers and for their protagonists, The Square works on several levels, as it shows how far two people will go for love and profit--in more ways than one.
40
Village VoiceMelissa Anderson
Village VoiceMelissa Anderson
This Down Under noir confuses incoherent body pileups with "twists."
40
New York Daily NewsJoe Neumaier
New York Daily NewsJoe Neumaier
Digs up familiar ground without adding any fresh dirt.