74
Metascore
13 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90TheWrapRonda Racha PenriceTheWrapRonda Racha PenriceDeer, a rare filmmaker of Mohawk descent, portrays in Beans the hope and love that help people thrive in the face of such hatred.
- 83Original-CinThom ErnstOriginal-CinThom ErnstBeans is an ambitious film that, for the most part, works. It extends its efforts to reach a larger audience, but the story it tells is easy to admire.
- 75The Film StageJared MobarakThe Film StageJared MobarakViolence becomes both a weapon and a tool throughout the proceedings while words do the same since both must sometimes be wielded as the former in order to be successful as the latter.
- 75Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreDeer has made a richly-detailed debut feature about an ugly piece of Canadian history, and it’s to her credit that she lets young heroine see the escalation from both sides, and lets the viewer see what this does to her.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenThe Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenMohawk director Tracey Deer, who lived through the violent 78-day conflict as a 12-year-old, has made a film that's eye-opening. Beyond her firsthand understanding of indigenous people's struggles, she's keenly attuned to girlhood growing pains — well captured in the expressive and engaging performance by Kiawentiio, leading a strong cast.
- 70Film ThreatAlex SavelievFilm ThreatAlex SavelievIt feels timely and urgent, and its phenomenal young heroine ensures it doesn’t become overly mawkish, preachy, or prosaic.
- 67The A.V. ClubKatie RifeThe A.V. ClubKatie RifeA specifically French-Canadian and Native coming-of-age story that’s heavy handed in some ways and delicate in others.
- 63The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Barry HertzThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Barry HertzWhen Beans works, it resonates deeply. And when it doesn’t, it’s not a tragedy – just evidence of a filmmaker finding what works for her voice and vision, and what might work better for an anticipated follow-up.
- 50RogerEbert.comNick AllenRogerEbert.comNick AllenWith its coming-of-age and its historical context, Beans concerns ideas of pain and conflict, but it’s too timid to really engage those ideas, to honor their discomfort aside from how horrific discrimination is (a few scenes of the family being ambushed by racist Canadian citizens are upsetting, but played too directly for tears).