Gabrielle 2013

Farran Smith Nehme, New York Post: The film drags when some scenes run long. Its sentiment is appealing, though, and its sincerity doesn't cloy. Read more

Jay Weissberg, Variety: Archambault's handling of Gabrielle and Martin's sexuality is one of the pic's strong suits, presenting their desire with a refreshing, straightforward honesty. Read more

Mike D'Angelo, AV Club: Frequently charming. Read more

Boyd van Hoeij, Hollywood Reporter: An occasionally blunt but well-acted love story. Read more

Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: Casting Marion-Rivard in the title role was a risk that paid off, giving the film its authenticity, also its imperfections, which are easy enough to live with. Read more

Stephen Holden, New York Times: If "Gabrielle" is a likable crowd-pleaser, it would be much better without the extra dollop of organic honey. Read more

Michael Sragow, Orange County Register: Writer-director Louise Archambault uses a free and easy camera style and mosaic-like editing to suggest how intensely Gabrielle responds to elements of everyday life. Read more

Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail: Instead of a message movie, Gabrielle is a romance and an unusual kind of musical that seamlessly integrates special needs actors with the other cast members. Read more

Peter Howell, Toronto Star: Archambault's frequent use of music - everything from choral to classical to electropop to samba - helps maintain energy and positive vibes in a film that could easily turn maudlin or didactic. Read more

Abby Garnett, Village Voice: Archambault has a rare light in Marion-Rivard, whose wide smile is infectious: When she sulks, it feels like the whole world is tumbling down. Read more