Roman J. Israel, Esq.

"This is a formula movie but Gilroy is no hack. He hits the expected beats but with more colour and depth than you expect."

"Roman is a fantastic character, and Washington's high-wire performance is one of his most daring and compelling."

"Its depiction of weary activism, both lost and renewed, is well-suited to our dark times."

"It's not a role we're used to seeing Washington play... but he's never been better."

"Denzel Washington gives a terrifically off-kilter performance in this fascinating and flawed character study that frustratingly can't meld all its ambitions into a coherent and satisfying whole."

"Unfortunately, something at the centre just doesn't hold, and it flies apart over the course of 133 minutes into confusing shards of plot, legalese-heavy monologues and ... a touch of soggy sentimentality in the home stretch."

"It's a movie that could have packed an emotional punch and considered the cost of pursuing purity, but instead it settles for schmaltz."