The Apostle - Movie Reviews

Instead of reducing his minister to an Elmer Gantry hypocrite, Duvall gives us a flawed man who nevertheless has a deep, loving religious conviction. This is the finest movie ever made about a minister or priest.

Full Review | Original Score: A | Jan 19, 2023

If you can stand to sit for two hours and listen to a sermon and really want to see Robert Duvall’s performance by all means go see it, but if you’re not as patient as I tried to be this is not the film for you.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Jan 7, 2023

Duvall's script is one of subtle grace and beauty.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Sep 2, 2020

Duvall is effortlessly mesmerizing in the lead role...

Full Review | Jan 4, 2019

Shocking in its unbridled, electrifying energy and raw emotion.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Mar 31, 2009

I cannot recall a movie so dominated by the performance of one actor (Robert Duvall) as this one.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Aug 13, 2007

Some kind of acting miracle ... One doesn't have to be a churchgoer, or even a Christian, to be moved by the power of Duvall's great performance.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 21, 2006

A labor of love coming to fruition after 13 years, this is Robert Duvall's third and best directorial effort, a sharply observed exploration of a preacher who embarks on a redemption odyssey after committing a crime.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 18, 2006

... may be the most unapologetic, intimate portrayal of a religious man in the history of American cinema.

Full Review | Original Score: A+ | Jan 15, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Oct 15, 2004

As the charismatic Sonny, Duvall brilliantly shouts the praises of Jesus.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 1, 2004

There are scattered inspired moments throughout this two-and-a-half hour epic but, like many actor-directors, Duvall is so in love with his material -- and his star -- that he just can't say 'cut.'

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 31, 2003

Disturbing but thought-provoking depiction of genuine faith coexisting with sin and carnality… like the troubling fiction of Evelyn Waugh, Graham Greene, and Flannery O'Connor, a vindication of belief without being a vindication of every believer.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Jul 19, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 20, 2003

Robert Duvall, writer, director, producer, and star of The Apostle, absolutely seethes with the character of Sonny Dewey (alias Apostle E.F.) in this, perhaps the best performance of his career.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Feb 8, 2003

It's a sin to miss 'The Apostle.'

Full Review | Aug 2, 2002

Nobody's perfect, but this movie's pretty darned close in its subtle telling of a Godly man from the south on his quest for conviction.

Full Review | Aug 1, 2002