51
Metascore
7 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- While its premise is fairly run-of-the-mill for a teen flick, its underlying messaging and approach to a taboo subject matter elevates the material into a uniquely moving film fit for ages pre-teen and up. Darby and the Dead feels made by people who have gone through a hard loss: It's a love letter to those grieving, reminding us not to forget to celebrate life too.
- 70The New York TimesNatalia WinkelmanThe New York TimesNatalia WinkelmanAs familiar as this tale of female transformation feels, there is an authentic sweetness to Darby and Capri’s fledgling friendship. Their bond resuscitates a movie that might otherwise have been dead on arrival.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterLovia GyarkyeThe Hollywood ReporterLovia GyarkyeWith a refreshingly diverse cast and a compelling premise, there’s a lot to appreciate about Darby and the Dead — even with its muddied execution.
- 50Screen RantFerdosa AbdiScreen RantFerdosa AbdiWith a stellar leading pair who make the most of the screenplay, Darby and the Dead has enough to keep audiences moved and laughing on occasion, though it is unclear whether it can bring viewers back for a rewatch. The only certainty is that Downs and Cravalho are great together and should have the privilege of leading more projects.
- 50ColliderChase HutchinsonColliderChase HutchinsonFor all the ways that Darby and the Dead tries to give its abundantly safe story some life, it can’t break free of a narrative hellbent on dragging it to the grave.
- 38Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreAs it is, we’re looking at the outline for a funny teen rom-com, not one that feels finished or that pays off.
- 35TheWrapElizabeth WeitzmanTheWrapElizabeth WeitzmanEven Downs, so appealing on Nickelodeon’s “Henry Danger,” can’t fight the forces of this soulless script (which was based on a potentially promising story idea by Wenonah Wilms).