The Client

Play trailer

The Client

PG-13

1994

2h 0m

Mystery & Thriller

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

40 Reviews

68%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Fast-paced thriller, based on the John Grisham bestseller, about a boy whose life is endangered after he stumbles across vital information about a politician's murder. His lawyer is the only person offering protection from the unwanted attentions of the Mob and the FBI - but is she capable of saving his life?

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

The Client may not reinvent the tenets of the legal drama, but Joel Schumacher's sturdy directorial hand and a high-caliber cast bring John Grisham's page-turner to life with engrossing suspense.

Read Critics Reviews

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

08/16/2017

1.5/5

You know, there are more exciting trials on free TV.

Go to Full Review

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

02/09/2006

Slick, solid and saddled throughout with hackneyed motivation and implausible moments, Schumacher's film is both the best adaptation of a John Grisham novel to date, and a surprisingly suspenseful slice of escapist entertainment.

Go to Full Review

Janet Maslin

New York Times

05/20/2003

As for Mr. Jones, he's just irresistible. In a smaller but still commanding role that loosely recalls his performance in The Fugitive, his coiled-cobra gaze and that smart, steely delivery remain in perfect form

Go to Full Review

Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

Apr 21

5/10

The film as a whole reverts from decent to mediocre, and a lot of time, effort, and talent is wasted in the process.

Go to Full Review

Jaylan Salah

InSession Film

07/25/2024

A-

A film like that means nothing without its main protagonist and no, that’s not Jones as a sleaze-ball, slick-style, pompous, Bible-quoting US attorney named Reverend Roy Foltrigg. It’s Sarandon as the down-on-her-luck hero of this journey.

Go to Full Review

Quentin Crisp

Christopher Street

04/04/2022

The film is hideously colored. The mere look of it sets the mood. It only gets darker as danger increases, and everyone becomes more deliciously beastly. I loved every minute of it.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

shane O

@Shanes_DVD_Shack Jun 15

Classic 90’s crime thriller. The acting holds it together it’s a good watch. Good chemistry between the lead actors.

See more

Evelyn X

@yiyi1111 May 6

The story follows a young boy who accidentally witnesses a Mafia suicide and learns a dangerous secret. He finds an attorney willing to take his case—perhaps as a way to find the redemption she seeks for her own children. Reggie is incredibly brave and professional; she is a fierce protector who does everything in her power to ensure the boy’s safety and defense. Beyond the legal battle, the heart of the film lies in their connection, trust, and growing affection. The most moving moment is when she gives Mark her compass, symbolizing her role in guiding him through his darkest hour and helping him find his way.

See more

James L

@Jimmy065 Jan 12

Started off o.k, but then went a bit stupid. Watchable, but not great.

See more

Sharang L

@Scribe187 Dec 19

Falls short of the book's achievements. Still, a competent legal drama with a very likeable Sarandon performance.

See more

Mo S.

@9mr_0 Dec 11

فلم حلو وقصه حلوه واخراج رائع

See more

victor w

@RT03643624 Dec 3

Silly. Notching more to say.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Joel Schumacher

Director

Susan Sarandon

Regina "Reggie" Love

Tommy Lee Jones

"Reverend" Roy Foltrigg

Mary-Louise Parker

Dianne Sway

Anthony LaPaglia

Barry "The Blade" Muldano

Anthony Edwards

Clint Von Hooser

The Pelican Brief

56%

61%

The Pelican Brief

Watchlist

The Net

44%

44%

The Net

Watchlist

Deceived

38%

46%

Deceived

Watchlist

The Real McCoy

25%

30%

The Real McCoy

Watchlist

Firewall

19%

37%

Firewall

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Swiss Army Man, Blade Runner, 12 Angry Men and More Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and FandangoNOW

View more photos

Synopsis

Fast-paced thriller, based on the John Grisham bestseller, about a boy whose life is endangered after he stumbles across vital information about a politician's murder. His lawyer is the only person offering protection from the unwanted attentions of the Mob and the FBI - but is she capable of saving his life?

Director: Joel Schumacher
Producer: Arnon Milchan, Steven Reuther
Screenwriter: John Grisham, Akiva Goldsman, Robert Getchell
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Bros., Regency Enterprises, Alcor Films
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 20, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 13, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $90.8M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings