Ian McKellan and Michaela Coel Shine in Soderbergh's Art World Caper 'The Christophers'

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The Christophers follows the exploits of stagnating art school graduate Lori Butler (Michaela Coel), who is hired by an old classmate to carry out a complicated con. The first step is getting a gig as a personal assistant to the ailing art world legend Julian Sklar (Ian McKellan), a brusque and controversial figure Lori once admired before his public 'cancellation.' The second step? Covertly completing an unfinished series of Julian's portraits known as the Christophers, which Lori's secret benefactors — Julian's ungrateful, bumbling children — plan to sell upon his passing.

Why it matters

The Christophers is a wonderfully intriguing film that may also be Soderbergh's most introspective, exploring the dilemma of what actually makes an artist and what constitutes arts criticism. The constantly shifting power dynamics between Lori and Julian ensure constant subversions of power as the premise evolves, while the film's focus on the central characters' motivations and self-reflections elevates it beyond a straightforward heist narrative.

The details

Written by Ed Solomon, The Christophers sees Lori's secret benefactors — Julian's ungrateful, bumbling children, Barnaby and Sallie — plan to sell the unfinished Christophers portraits upon Julian's passing. As Lori gets closer to Julian, the question of how much she truly understands him and his art becomes a central focus of the film. Soderbergh's camera ventures closer as the central queries turn inward, forcing both Lori and Julian to take a long, hard look at themselves.

• The Christophers is in limited theaters on April 10 and opens nationwide on April 17.

What’s next

The Christophers will open nationwide on April 17, 2026, following its limited theatrical release on April 10.