52
Metascore
16 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickA disarming Spanish dramedy of late-life love, speaks a universal language.
- 75TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghTV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghSentimental, formulaic, predictable and shamelessly manipulative, Marcos Carnevale’s tale of late-life love is also genuinely heartbreaking and heartening.
- Though recalling a truckload of antecedents, "Harold and Maude" and "Sweet November" among them, Elsa & Fred manages enough fresh touches and performance subtleties to stand alone as an irresistible, bittersweet comedy.
- 60NPRBob MondelloNPRBob MondelloBy movie's end, director Marcos Carnevale has made it possible for you to see Elsa through Fred's eyes. Love has bloomed late -- but with sweet exuberance -- in this romantic charmer.
- 60Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasThe film may be fearlessly sentimental, but it is sturdy enough to provide rewarding major roles for two veterans, who are of an age when such starring parts are rare.
- 50Chicago ReaderJ.R. JonesChicago ReaderJ.R. JonesThis begins to get interesting in the home stretch, as the woman's chronic deception begins to catch up with her, but for the most part it's an extended Geritol commercial.
- 50VarietyJonathan HollandVarietyJonathan HollandPredictable fare that only occasionally fulfils its intention of being simultaneously heartbreaking and heartening.
- 50Village VoiceVillage VoiceThe problem isn't the acting; both actors are superb. It's Elsa's character that is so difficult to take. Only the hopelessly romantic will be able to tolerate her.
- 50The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisThe New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisBest enjoyed as a sampling of Ms. Zorrilla's combustible energy and still dazzling screen presence.
- 42The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe A.V. ClubNoel MurrayIt's hard to overlook how much of Elsa & Fred is rote and pre-chewed.