critics consensus

Well-cast and compellingly directed, The Special Relationship offers an intelligent look into the complex dynamic between two world leaders. Read critic reviews

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The Special Relationship Photos

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Movie Info

British Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) forges a loyal friendship with President Bill Clinton (Dennis Quaid).

Rating:

TV14
Genre:

drama
Original Language:

English
Director:

Richard Loncraine
Writer:

Peter Morgan
Release Date (Streaming):

Nov 15, 2016
Runtime:

1h 32m
Production Co:

Rainmark Films

Cast & Crew

Michael Sheen
Tony Blair

Dennis Quaid
Bill Clinton

Hope Davis
Hillary Clinton

Helen McCrory
Cherie Blair

Richard Loncraine
Director

Peter Morgan
Writer

Critic Reviews for The Special Relationship

All Critics (30) | Top Critics (13) | Fresh (25) | Rotten (5)

[Morgan's] formula, which juxtaposes larger-than-life real people at key moments in their careers, strains a little under the weight of the Clinton presidency and its baggage. Yet it's always interesting to catch a glimpse of America as others see us.

September 9, 2020 | Full Review…

Ellen Gray
Philadelphia Inquirer
The core of the movie is very strong. The piece is built around three performances that somehow grow from being mere impersonations and become something real and moving.

September 9, 2020 | Full Review…

Emily VanDerWerff
AV Club
It's a pat view of history, of course... [But] The Special Relationship works well enough despite having been reduced and shaped. It's a miniature portrait of how political bonds can be created, and tested, and broken.

September 9, 2020 | Full Review…

Matthew Gilbert
Boston Globe
If you don't care about credibility, The Special Relationship is entertaining, thanks in large part to the performances.

September 9, 2020 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

David Wiegand
San Francisco Chronicle
The film provides a captivating peek into the meshing of personality and power and how easily even the strongest bonds come unglued.

September 9, 2020 | Full Review…

Alessandra Stanley
New York Times
With its well-chosen cast and high production values, "Relationship" is an especially thoughtful, revealing and honest account of power and politics.

September 9, 2020 | Full Review…

Barry Garron
Hollywood Reporter
Most kids probably won't be interested thanks to the talky nature of it, but fans of good docudramas and political buffs will definitely find it worth watching.

September 9, 2020 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Melissa Camacho
Common Sense Media
The Special Relationship does indeed focus on a friendship between two (admittedly powerful) dudes, but this is more than a mere episode of Entourage. For one thing, stuff happens.

October 21, 2010 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…

Simon Miraudo
Quickflix
[The] glimpse of the real Blair was far more interesting than the clichd version we saw throughout the film.

August 16, 2010 | Rating: B- | Full Review…

Matthew Toomey
ABC Radio Brisbane
The third act in the chronicles of Tony Blair features Michael Sheen and scribe Peter Morgan in fine form, but a shaky turn by Dennis Quaid mars The Special Relationship from reaching its full potential.

August 11, 2010 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

Matthew Pejkovic
Matt's Movie Reviews
A dramatically flat exploration of the friendship between British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President Bill Clinton, as they navigate the personal and national challenges of high office.

August 7, 2010 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

Simon Weaving
Screenwize
The most unintentionally homoerotic film of the year. Eventually you start willing them to make out. Solid script. Slightly unconvincing Clinton performance from Quaid.

August 6, 2010 | Rating: 3.5/5

Marc Fennell
Triple J

View All Critic Reviews (30)

Audience Reviews for The Special Relationship

May 07, 2012

Michael Sheen steals the show, and turns in another excellent performance. The movie itself was a little under whelming for me...decent, but nothing overly exciting.

Cynthia S Super Reviewer
Feb 05, 2011

Could have been better I think but interesting. Wasn't as into Quaid's Clinton as I was the other main three actors - great performaces from them.

Sunil J Super Reviewer
Dec 20, 2010

A well made tv movie on the relationship between Blair and Clinton, Michael Sheen plays Blair for the third time with a well crafted performance, he is firmly in comfortable shoes and Quaid shines in his performance as Clinton too, a worthwhile watch for an I interesting period in history.

Jon H Super Reviewer
Dec 08, 2010

Michael Sheen reprises his role as Tony Blair from The Queen. This time we have more insight to Blair as presented through his relationship will US President Bill Clinton. Dennis Quaid is believable as Clinton, but Hope Davis shines as Hillary. Doesn't shy away from controversy and paints an even picture of Blair as an idealist, but ultimately a politician through and through.

Anthony V Super Reviewer