51
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 67The Film StageMatt CipollaThe Film StageMatt CipollaKaria hasn’t made a deep film or even a particularly unique one, but he’s made one that has enough to get by. It’s not just good—it’s good enough.
- 63Slant MagazineWilliam RepassSlant MagazineWilliam RepassMore than effective in visualizing its protagonist’s disorientated state of mind, the camerawork may leave viewers feeling like they just stepped off of a merry-go-round.
- 60CineVueMatthew AndersonCineVueMatthew AndersonWhishaw is utterly compelling and committed to this performance, and we watch the slow-motion car crash unfurl with mouths often agape, but Surge needs more depth to really leave a lasting mark.
- 60The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawKaria is a smart film-maker and this is a valuable beginning.
- 60The Observer (UK)Simran HansThe Observer (UK)Simran HansWhishaw’s intensity is gripping to watch but the character remains opaque; whether we’re meant to read Joseph as experiencing psychosis or simply suffering the unforgiving conditions of city life under capitalism is ambiguous.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterLeslie FelperinThe Hollywood ReporterLeslie FelperinEven though Whishaw is mesmeric, by the end of the 105-minute running time the whole experience starts to feel like being trapped in a broken-down subway car with a violent mental patient.
- 50Screen DailyFionnuala HalliganScreen DailyFionnuala HalliganAn uncomfortably un-restrained Whishaw, and an enhanced, aggressive sound design make Surge a raw experience and its eventual lack of any deeper insight is a little like rubbing salt into that experience.
- 50TheWrapWilliam BibbianiTheWrapWilliam BibbianiSurge captures the protagonist’s collapse but shies away from catharsis, judgment, or context. Karia’s film lives in the moment and no matter how overwhelming it may seem, the moment is fleeting.
- 40Time OutPhil de SemlyenTime OutPhil de SemlyenIt feels a little too skin deep; a film content to get by on its vicarious thrills. And the rush eventually wears off.