The Christophers
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The Christophers (2026) is a crime comedy-drama directed by Steven Soderbergh, featuring a stellar cast including Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel. The film centers on the estranged children of an aging, once-famous artist, Julian Sklar, who devise a scheme to secure their inheritance. They hire a talented art restorer and former forger, Lori, to secretly complete Julian's valuable unfinished paintings, known as 'The Christophers,' so they can be 'discovered' and sold after his impending death. The movie explores themes of art, authenticity, greed, family legacy, and intergenerational conflict, wrapped in sharp dialogue and character-driven drama. It is intended for mature audiences, with an R rating primarily due to strong language and adult thematic elements, and is suitable for viewers who appreciate complex narratives and character studies over overt action.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film explicitly features LGBTQ+ content, centering on the past romantic life of the prominent character Julian Sklar. References are made to his former same-sex lover and his journey of coming out, as well as a past non-monogamous relationship. This content is integral to understanding Julian's character and the history of the titular paintings.
The 'Christophers' are explicitly identified as a series of painted portraits of Julian Sklar's 'former lover decades ago, when he first came out.' Additionally, Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen) makes a casual, unfiltered remark about his past, stating, 'I was in a throuple back when it was just called cheating.'
Profanity
Profanity is a significant element of the film's dialogue, explicitly noted as the primary reason for its R rating in the United States and a 15 rating in the United Kingdom. Reviews consistently highlight the presence of 'very strong language' and 'strong language throughout,' indicating frequent and impactful use of expletives.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are central themes in 'The Christophers (2026),' particularly through the actions of Julian Sklar's children. Their deliberate scheme to deceive their dying father to secure an inheritance, coupled with Lori's initial motivation for revenge, showcases significant acts of defiance and exploitation.
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Romance and Sexual Content
The film includes mature romantic and sexual themes, primarily through discussions and implications related to Julian Sklar's past relationships. While explicit sexual acts are not detailed, there are clear references to adult relationships, including a same-sex former lover and a non-monogamous arrangement, contributing to the film's R rating.
Substance Use
The film includes depictions of substance use, specifically sequences of adults drinking alcohol. While details on the frequency or intensity are not extensively provided, its inclusion contributes to the overall mature rating and suggests that alcohol consumption occurs within the narrative, consistent with an adult drama.
Scary & Intense Content
While not a horror film, 'The Christophers (2026)' features elements of tension, suspense, and emotional intensity. The plot, centered around deception and familial conflict for inheritance, creates a sustained level of dramatic suspense. Additionally, the film contains emotionally charged scenes involving 'abrasive verbal cruelty' and 'humiliation'.
Violence
While the film's genre is crime-comedy-drama, reviews emphasize its dialogue-driven nature and character focus rather than explicit action or graphic violence. The plot involves a scheme and deception, which introduces tension, but physical violence is not a primary element and is largely absent from descriptions of the film's content.
Witchcraft & Occult
There is no indication of witchcraft, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, or supernatural elements within 'The Christophers (2026).' The film's narrative focuses on realistic human drama, crime, and artistic themes, devoid of any fantasy or supernatural occurrences.
Anti-Christian Themes
There is no evidence in the available information to suggest that 'The Christophers (2026)' contains anti-Christian themes. The movie's focus is on artistic integrity, family dynamics, and a crime caper, without any explicit mockery, criticism, or negative portrayal of Christian beliefs or symbols.
From a Christian worldview, 'The Christophers (2026)' presents a complex tapestry of human nature, heavily emphasizing themes of greed, deception, and fractured family relationships. The central plot, driven by Julian Sklar's children attempting to profit from their father's death through forgery, directly contradicts biblical principles of honor, honesty, and respect for elders (Exodus 20:12, Colossians 3:20). The characters' morality is ambiguous; while the children are clearly motivated by vice, the film may explore the nuances of artistic integrity and personal legacy, potentially offering a more transcendent view on the value of creation beyond material wealth. The film's depiction of a 'darkly comic drama' suggests that while some actions are morally reprehensible, there might not be explicit moral accountability or clear redemption arcs in a conventional sense. The worldview presented appears largely secular, focusing on human ambition and interpersonal conflict rather than a transcendent or faith-based perspective on life's meaning. Family values are portrayed as deeply strained and dysfunctional, highlighting themes of estrangement and exploitation rather than unity and love. Faith representation is absent; the film does not engage with Christian faith in a positive or negative light, instead focusing on the art world and personal histories. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale against avarice and deceit, indirectly affirming the importance of integrity and genuine relationships, which align with Christian virtues, even if not explicitly stated.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
R (MPAA) / 15 (BBFC) - The film is officially rated R for language in the United States and 15 in the United Kingdom due to very strong language and mature thematic elements. It contains abrasive verbal cruelty, adult themes related to sex and relationships, and sequences of drinking, making it appropriate for audiences aged 17 and above (US) or 15 and above (UK).
Good to Know
The film's strength lies in its character development and sharp dialogue, driven by strong performances from Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel. While classified as a crime comedy-drama, its 'talk-first design' means the intensity comes more from verbal sparring and psychological tension than physical action. Parents should be prepared for sophisticated adult themes and mature conversations.
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