By Joanna Orland
Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen) is a London-based artist who is past his prime. He was once a revered painter, renowned for a series of portraits known as “The Christophers.” His career has been through it all, from famed artist to reality show judge to where he is now, relying on Cameo-style videos in order to remain relevant.
His two children, Sallie (Jessica Gunning) and Barnaby (James Corden), approach Sallie’s former Central Saint Martins classmate Lori (Michaela Coel), who has a proven ability to mimic the style of their father Julian. They ask Lori to pose as his assistant, to secretly complete The Christophers, which remain unfinished in his attic. They offer to split the profit with Lori once the portraits are “discovered” and sold on after Julian’s impending death.
As Lori spends time with Julian, the two of them question the value and validity of art as well as their own self-worth. Julian is a verbose and opinionated man, hiding behind excuses of “cancel culture” and societal expectation. Lori is more calm and collected in their moments. Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel carry The Christophers in what is a perfect showcase for their acting talents.
What Is The Value of Art?
The key questions posed in The Christophers revolve around the value of art. What is art? Why do we value some works more than others? What makes art valuable? Does art have to be personal? Why does art have financial value? These questions fuel the dialogue between Julian and Lori, philosophically and organically throughout the film. Their debate is not merely a discussion of art; it reflects a generational divide through which their perspectives on art and life are shaped.
As Julian attempts to create a deliberately bad painting, he concludes that it’s impossible to do so – art is personal expression and this is his. Meanwhile, Lori is confronted by Sallie and Barnaby for her past work as a forger, prompting her to question why it even matters who painted a work of art. This idea is reinforced by Sallie and Barnaby asking Lori to paint The Christophers in the attic.
Through these means, The Christophers explores the idea of authorship and artistic value. These questions extend beyond traditional art, serving as a compelling analogy for today’s debates on cancel culture and the use of AI-generated art – should who the creator is influence how we value the work itself?
Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel Are a Perfect Pairing
While it may be tiresome to see another film question what makes art art, or put a cantankerous old man up against a youthful foil, The Christophers breathes new life into these tropes. With its lead performances, particularly the sublime Ian McKellen, it is a riveting showcase for its actors.
At 86 years old, McKellen has more life in him than actors half his age, as evident in one of his most enthusiastic performances since Gandalf. As the prickly pretentious artist Julian Sklar, whose former glory casts a huge shadow over his present and scaled-back life, he uses his sharp mind and wit to inadvertently connect with Lori. As she hesitantly opens up to him about why she’s really there, they ponder over mutual questions, and find an appreciation for each other which is grounded in their relationships with art.
Contrasting McKellen’s bombastic Julian, Coel’s Lori is more quiet and still, while facially expressive to what McKellen is throwing at her. She works best in close-ups, the smaller details in her face telling her story. It’s a reserved and controlled performance, which is a perfect balance to McKellen’s outward facing one.
While The Christophers could easily work as a theatrical stage production rather than a film, the performances warrant a bigger screen to shine on. Through its questions and themes, The Christophers may be referencing visual art, but it becomes a showcase for the art of acting, with a two-hander that validates its worth.
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The Christophers
Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Starring Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning, and James Corden
Available on digital platforms to buy or rent from July 20th, 2026
