Metacritic reviews

A movie so simple, so elegant, and yet so devouringly empathetic that you might not notice its full magic until a few hours later.

It could be the finest hour for both of its lead actors.

This story is about whether secrets can be survived, whether the knowing or not knowing is more injurious. Haigh’s very fine, classically modulated film keeps these questions alive until literally its last shot, and lets them jangle their way through you for days afterwards.

It’s a film of small moments and tiny gestures that leaves a very, very big impression.

Anchored by a sensational Charlotte Rampling as its lead, the movie combines Haigh's perceptive style with shades of Mike Leigh's "Another Year" to create a quietly moving and deceptively tragic look at aging romance haunted by past mysteries.

Beautifully observed, gently amusing and often performed with emphasis on the small things in life rather than any major dramatic incident, its focus on retrospective jealousy is an unusual and intriguing one…and offers an absorbing story that comes up with some gently profound truths.

Haigh's latest is an impressive study of a couple haunted by their past. and a potent reminder both of the fragility of love and the need to keep communication open at all times.

Above all, 45 Years is a drama of quiet restraint.

Full of restraint, from both its director and leads, this is a quiet gem with the power to move.

Do not expect blazing emotional fireworks, just finely calibrated performances and deep reserves of inner torment.