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Denial
2016 109 min United Kingdom, United States of America PG-13 12+
★7.0
Drama, History
Director: Mick Jackson
Trailers
Description
Acclaimed writer and historian Deborah E. Lipstadt must battle for historical truth to prove the Holocaust actually occurred when David Irving, a renowned denier, sues her for libel.
Budget:
$10M
US Gross:
$4.07M
Worldwide:
$7.99M
Starring
Rachel Weisz
Actor
Tom Wilkinson
Actor
Timothy Spall
Actor
Awards
BAFTA 2017
— Alexander Korda Award for Outstanding British Film
Key opinion
Denial is a restrained, fact-focused courtroom drama that earns praise for its commitment to historical truth and strong performances from its lead ensemble. While many viewers appreciate its intellectual approach to the Irving-Lipstadt libel trial, others find the deliberate pacing and procedural structure to be somewhat monotonous and lacking in emotional weight.
| Acting | Timothy Spall delivers a compelling, nuanced performance as David Irving, effectively portraying the antagonist's unraveling. | |
| Theme | The film functions as a serious, truth-affirming defense against historical distortion and the dangers of Holocaust denial. | |
| Acting | The supporting cast, particularly Tom Wilkinson and Andrew Scott, provide grounded and steady anchors that elevate the legal proceedings. | |
| Pacing | The deliberate, procedural pacing of the courtroom scenes divides audiences: some find the methodical legal focus intellectually engaging, while others perceive it as slow and bland. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is praised for prioritizing historical honesty, yet critics argue it lacks creative flair and fails to make the trial's stakes feel consistently dramatic. |