What’s more blurry than the line between fact and fiction? In The Revisionist, a meta narrative structure gives way to compelling character interplay between a trio of writers and a much more famous cranky father on the edge of life’s fringes. All four players are central to the storyline, but André Holland and Dustin Hoffman leave the deepest impression. Their chemistry soars as they share a genuine connection, far more compelling than any author could draft. Though it lacks the action and sparkle of a mainstream dramedy, there’s enough within its pages to easily recommend The Revisionist.
As Jacob (Tom Sturridge) struggles to maintain relevancy, his wife, Elise (Alison Brie), hits writer’s block despite a lucrative book deal. She makes a proposal for their friend, John (Andre Holland), to record conversations with Jacob’s aging father, David, played by film legend Dustin Hoffman, hoping it can help inspire them. Naturally, things do not exactly go as planned. Writer/director Alex Vlack constantly plays with reality, as Elise begins penning her second novel; John, meanwhile, has ulterior motives as he looks to publishing a piece on David for his own gains.
The film’s greatest asset is the chemistry between its central trio. Jacob, John, and Elise feel like fully lived-in characters with years of history between them. John’s arrival injects an immediate sense of intrigue. He charms and manipulates, impossible to fully trust. The tension John creates—particularly as he grows closer to both Jacob’s father and Elise—provides much of the dramatic momentum. The father-son relationship also compels. Secrets theatres to come to the surface, unearthed by John’s evolving relationship with David. The scenes between them are emotionally revealing, building a resentment from Jacob. Why can’t he have this relationship with his father? Why does David trust a relative stranger more than his own son?
A little harder to crack is Elise. As played by Brie, she almost feels sidelined in her own story. She exists as more of buoy for the others, a constant presence certainly but the character definition she receives can feel shaky at best. As Elise continues writing, scenes begin to shift and contradict one another. As an audience, we are forced to question the reality of what we are watching. The meta-fictional structure is one of the most interesting ideas presented, especially for viewers who enjoy stories about writers and creativity.
At its core, The Revisionist argues that every person is constantly editing their own life story, whether they realize it or not. While the intentionally ambiguous ending and occasionally distracting score prevent it from fully delivering on its premise, this unique film still remains engaging thanks to strong writing and tender performances. Sharp and witty, this engaging dramedy offers plenty to dissect long after turning the final page.
The Revisionist debuted at 2026’s Tribeca Film Festival.
