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Keeping Mum
2005 103 min United Kingdom, United States of America R 18+
★6.6
Comedy
Director: Niall Johnson
Trailers
Description
A pastor preoccupied with writing the perfect sermon fails to realize that his wife is having an affair and his children are up to no good.
Budget:
$169,000
US Gross:
$1.62M
Worldwide:
$18.56M
Starring
Rowan Atkinson
Actor
Kristin Scott Thomas
Actor
Maggie Smith
Actor
Awards
1 win & 5 nominations total
Key opinion
Keeping Mum is widely regarded as a quintessential British black comedy that subverts family drama tropes with sharp, cynical wit. While a few viewers find the pacing or tone challenging, the majority praise the film for its strong ensemble performances and its clever, dark approach to resolving domestic dysfunction.
| Acting | Maggie Smith delivers a standout, commanding performance that expertly balances the persona of a whimsical savior with a chilling, underlying madness. | |
| Acting | Rowan Atkinson successfully breaks away from his usual slapstick persona to deliver a sincere, nuanced, and grounded performance as the beleaguered vicar. | |
| Humor | The film effectively utilizes a uniquely English brand of dry, subtle, and dark humor that creates a distinct atmosphere for the domestic satire. | |
| Acting | Patrick Swayze provides a memorable and effective performance, subverting the traditional 'lover' archetype with a comedic, self-aware energy. | |
| Production | The film's blend of dark thematic elements and cozy, pastoral village settings creates an engaging contrast that defines its unique tone. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the pacing are split; while many find it steady and appropriate for the genre, some viewers experience the narrative momentum as sluggish or overly deliberate. |