Director Jesse Armstrong’s latest film, Mountainhead, has received a mixed response from critics and audiences alike. The movie boasts a respectable 79% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, but its audience score is significantly lower at 26%. This stark contrast in opinions raises questions about the film’s accessibility and appeal.
While critics praise Armstrong’s razor-sharp screenplay and inspired direction, some viewers have struggled to connect with the movie. Mountainhead’s focus on plot over complex character work may be a key factor in this disconnect. Unlike Succession, which thrived on its intricate characters, Mountainhead is more plot-driven and less transparent in its social commentary.
The film’s reliance on dialogue-heavy scenes and techno-capitalism themes may also alienate some viewers. Armstrong’s decision to tackle these subjects head-on without easing audiences into the world of techno-capitalism means that viewers who aren’t already invested in these topics may struggle to follow or enjoy the movie.
However, it’s essential to note that Mountainhead is not a bad film. Rather, it feels like an obvious passion project driven by Armstrong’s interests and desires. As such, its poor audience score may be a result of its target audience being niche rather than widespread.
Despite this, critics have recognized Armstrong’s talent as a writer and director, even when his work isn’t at its best. With a runtime of 109 minutes, Mountainhead is set to release on May 31, 2025, offering viewers a thought-provoking exploration of techno-capitalism and corporate culture.
Source: https://screenrant.com/mountainhead-movie-rotten-tomatoes-score-critics-audience-comparison