Withnail & I
Withnail & I

Movie spotlight

Withnail & I

1987
Movie
108 min
English

Two out-of-work actors -- the anxious, luckless Marwood and his acerbic, alcoholic friend, Withnail -- spend their days drifting between their squalid flat, the unemployment office and the pub. When they take a holiday "by mistake" at the country house of Withnail's flamboyantly gay uncle, Monty, they encounter the unpleasant side of the English countryside: tedium, terrifying locals and torrential rain.

Insights

IMDb7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic88/100
Google Users94%
Director: Bruce RobinsonGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

In 1987 London, two unemployed, alcoholic actors, the flamboyant Withnail and his more sensitive friend, 'I', find their squalid existence unbearable. Desperate for a change, they decide to escape the city for a week and retreat to a remote cottage in the Lake District owned by Withnail's uncle. However, the idyllic countryside proves to be no sanctuary as their vices and dysfunctional relationship follow them, leading to a series of increasingly bizarre and chaotic events.

Critical Reception

Withnail & I has achieved a significant cult following and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of British cinema. Initially met with moderate success, its reputation has grown exponentially over the years, celebrated for its sharp wit, quotable dialogue, and poignant portrayal of failure and friendship. It is often cited as one of the greatest comedies ever made.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its darkly humorous and often profound exploration of squalor and despair.

  • Celebrated for its exceptionally witty, quotable, and enduring dialogue.

  • Lauded for the powerful and memorable performances of its lead actors.

Google audience: Viewers consistently praise the film's unique humor, brilliant writing, and unforgettable characters. Many appreciate its honest depiction of struggle and friendship, finding it both hilarious and deeply resonant.

Fun Fact

The character of Withnail was partly inspired by actor Peter O'Toole, whom director Bruce Robinson worked with as an assistant director on the film 'The Wildcats of Kilkenny'.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Just what exactly was it lurking in the sink? Probably best not to know as we meet the dipso "Withnail" (Richard E. Grant) and his marginally more respectable pal who'd be the "Marwood/I" (Paul McGann). Two "resting" actors who haven't tupp...

Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**It's a good film, but it's very damaged by the abuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco, and by the weakness of the script, in terms of narrative.** I expected a lot more from this movie, I have to confess. It is considered by many to be on...

Arrrrrrrach

Arrrrrrrach

A beautiful, dreary and funny film. At times subtle and others direct. Deeply contemplative with majestic scenery and an atmosphere of grey. Sardonic humour with believable, excellently acted characters and scenarios. It's the greatest ...

LastCaress1972

LastCaress1972

Bought this on DVD for a £2 on a second-hand market stall a couple of years ago, then upgraded it to blu-ray a few months ago when I saw it on sale in HMV for a bargaintastic three quid. Yet I'd never got around to actually watching it. I'd...

Video Reviews

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