'The Goldfinch' movie drums up very strong reactions from critics

😬😬😬
 By 
Sam Haysom
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The Goldfinch has premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and critics were... bored.

Directed by Brooklyn's John Crowley, it's a film adaptation of Donna Tartt's lauded novel of the same name, a Pullitzer Prize-winning best seller with over half a million ratings on Goodreads and an average just shy of 4/5.

Because of the book's huge success, there was more than a little excitement when the first trailer for the adaptation, starring Ansel Elgort, Finn Wolfhard, Nicole Kidman, and Sarah Paulson among others, came out back in May.

But judging by the early reactions from critics who saw it at TIFF on Sunday, it seems as though the movie might not be quite as well received.

In fact, that's an understatement.

It gets worse. At least two different reviewers referred to The Goldfinch adaptation as a "disaster".

Collider's Matt Goldberg said it was "one of the worst movies" he'd seen "all year".

Okay, so not exactly promising so far. But it's worth pointing out that not everybody who saw the movie hated it.

Only time will tell whether audiences feel the same way as the critics.

Topics Books Reviews

Mashable Image
Sam Haysom

Sam Haysom is the Deputy UK Editor for Mashable. He covers entertainment and online culture, and writes horror fiction in his spare time.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
The complete list of winners at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
Delroy Lindo, Michael B. Jordan, Francine Maisler, Wunmi Mosaku, Miles Caton and Omar Benson Miller win the Critics Choice Award for Best Casting and Ensemble for "Sinners" at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards held at the Barker Hangar on January 04, 2026 in Santa Monica, California.

Jimmy Kimmel gives Trump a special thanks during Critics Choice Awards speech
A man in a tux stands on an awards show stage in front of the microphone, while two women laugh in the background.


Apple's MacBook Neo comes in citrus yellow and blush pink. The internet has thoughts.
Apple's MacBook Neo lineup in colors citrus, indigo, blush, and silver

Seth Meyers has strong words for the Trump admin's response to ICE shooting
A man sits behind a talk show desk. In the top left is an image of the president.

More in Entertainment
How to watch Chelsea vs. Port Vale online for free
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts

How to watch 'Wuthering Heights' at home: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's controversial romance now streaming
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi embracing in still from "Wuthering Heights"

How to watch New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers online for free
Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders warms up

How to watch Mexico vs. Belgium online for free
Israel Reyes of Mexico reacts

How to watch Brazil vs. Croatia online for free
Vinicius Junior #10 of Brazil leaves

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!