The Creator (2023) film review

James Stocks
3 min readOct 16, 2023

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Tonight I have well and truly witnessed cinema in its finest form, and watched a film that has gone straight into my top 20 list. From memory I struggle to recall a year in recent times filled with such incredible films and stories as the year we are in now. It has been blockbuster after blockbuster, and some of the best stories ever told. Even better yet we still have a number of months to go featuring films from Scorsese, Fincher, Mann and many others.

“The Creator” is a visual spectacle. The cast were beautiful, the special effects striking and landscape and sets were flawless.

In an age where it is sadly becoming more common for special effects and cinematography to be done sloppily, truly sets a new standard for the beauty a film can hold. The visuals in this film are nothing short of breathtaking, and they easily rank among the best I’ve seen in recent years. Every frame is meticulously crafted, and the use of color and composition is nothing short of artful.

John David Washington delivers a tour de force performance here. In my personal opinion, it’s the best work of his career. He brings depth, charisma, and authenticity to his character, making it impossible to take your eyes off him and even harder not to connect to him. His portrayal is a standout element that elevates the entire film. He arguably has the biggest shoes in the world to fill, but with performance like this I have no doubt that in the coming years his name will be mentioned in the same breath as the greatest actors in the world, active today.

Furthermore, “The Creator” is as strong a contender for the best film of the year as any I have seen. I went into this film expecting greatness, and left witnessing near perfection. The storytelling is riveting, and the narrative structure keeps you engaged from start to finish. It explores complex themes with finesse, leaving you not only questioning every move made but also questioning your own morality at times.

A special mention has to be made to Madeleine Yuna Voyles, because wow. Their outstanding performance has created a lasting impression on myself, that not only amazed me throughout but has left me in shock even now. Her talent and on-screen presence indicate a promising career ahead that has no limits, and I’m eagerly anticipating her future projects.

Gareth Edwards has done himself proud here. Now this British filmmaker doesn’t step up to the plate too often having only directed 6 films, but when he does he doesn’t miss. Rogue One (2016), Godzilla (2014), Monsters (2010) and now The Creator. One could argue that like a fine wine he is just getting better with time, and if that is the case then the next decade or so of cinema could very well be ran by Edwards.

It’s been raised to me that it is beyond clear that this was made by the same man that made Rogue One, due to the similar endings, but in complete honesty I couldn’t care less. They’re both masterpieces, and despite sharing the odd comparable moment possess their own charm and story.

In conclusion, “The Creator” is a cinematic triumph. With its stunning visuals, John David Washington’s career-defining performance, and a compelling narrative, it stands as one of the best films of the year. I would even argue that it may well be THE best film of the year, but I’m sure this decision will to and fro greatly over the passing days. The film’s quality from humble budget and the emergence of talents like Madeleine Yuna Voyles hint at an exciting future for the world of cinema.

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James Stocks
James Stocks

Written by James Stocks

Films are my life, so I want to dedicate my life to writing reviews and maybe one day making my own films. Currently studying MA Journalism at the Uni of Sheff

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