The reviews for Francis Ford Coppola’s highly anticipated science fiction film Megalopolis have generated considerable buzz, showcasing a spectrum of critical responses. After investing decades in its development and reportedly spending $120 million of his own resources, Coppola’s vision premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2024, before its theatrical release in the US on September 27, 2024, by Lionsgate.
Megalopolis Reviews: A Divided Reception
The critical reception of Megalopolis has proven to be polarizing, with opinions spanning from high praise to sharp criticism. While some reviewers laud the film’s ambitious nature, others have deemed it “pretentious.”
One positive review notes that “Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is a bursting-at-the-seams hallucination of a movie — it’s wonderfully out-there.” Describing it as both a melancholic reflection and a futuristic fantasy, the film is characterized by its rich imagery and complex ideas that linger in the minds of viewers long after viewing.
Another critical voice encourages audiences to shift their expectations away from anticipating a masterpiece, highlighting the film’s unique offerings, including the impressive performances of its cast.
Contrarily, some reviews classify Megalopolis as a “daring saga” that features more stumbling moments than triumphant ones, acknowledging that while the film is fascinating, it remains disorganized at its core.
Despite mixed reviews, a critic suggests that while Megalopolis may not top the list of “most pretentious films ever,” it certainly holds a place among them. Despite a star-studded cast, there are expectations that some viewers may find the film perplexing or even tedious.
As of now, Megalopolis holds a 51% approval rating on major review aggregators after 150 evaluations, alongside a score of 56 out of 100, indicating a mixed or average critical response. The broader audience reaction remains to be seen.
