The Gallerist Review: Natalie Portman Shines in a Darkly Funny Art World Thriller

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The film The Gallerist begins with a quote from Andy Warhol: “Art is what you can get away with.” Director Cathy Yan returns to independent filmmaking with a story that explores the world of art, its powerful impact on individuals, and its place in a society driven by money, influence, and self-importance. From the start, the movie is also surprisingly hilarious, bringing to mind a…

The story centers on Polina Polinski, a gallery curator hoping to gain recognition as she prepares to showcase the work of up-and-coming artist Stella Burgess. Trouble begins when a demanding and irritating art influencer, Dalton Hardberry, insists on a private viewing. A series of unfortunate events then leads to a shocking accident involving Burgess’s most prominent sculpture, a large statue resembling a tool used for cattle castration – and someone ends up fatally impaled on it.

Polinski and her assistant, Kiki (Jenna Ortega), are in serious trouble – they’ve been sent to jail. It’s a real, no-frills jail, not one of those symbolic, easily escapable ones. But then, something strange happens: the jail doors open, art lovers flood in, and they completely ignore the dead body prominently displayed, instead admiring and photographing the ‘artwork’.

The film The Gallerist starts as a darkly funny, over-the-top comedy and quickly spirals into chaos. Polinski, desperate to revive her struggling gallery – which she funded with her divorce settlement and has no reputation in – tries to sell a controversial piece of art, even though it includes a dead body. As she schemes and involves others in this increasingly outlandish plan, the movie becomes more and more absurd with each new character added to the mix.

Catherine Zeta-Jones shines as Marianne Gorman, Kiki’s aunt and a famous art dealer. She quickly realizes the artwork is a fake, but understands how someone might be fooled. Meanwhile, Polinski’s rich ex-husband, Tom (Sterling K. Brown), unexpectedly shows up at her gallery to share his thoughts on the now-viral artwork. The criminals are also trying to sell the piece to a wealthy and charming playboy named Cristos, played by Daniel Brühl. Pop star Charli xcx makes a brief appearance as Dalton’s girlfriend, and she may or may not uncover the scheme.

The film boasts a remarkably talented cast, elevating what could have been a simple, contained thriller. It feels like a blend of Birdman and Hitchcock’s Rope. Director Yan and cinematographer Federico Cesca use fluid camera movements and unusual angles throughout the gallery setting. Even during intense conversations, the camera and music create a sense of unease. The film frequently employs tilted, disorienting shots, seamlessly transitioning between characters and locations, maintaining a frantic pace. It’s visually reminiscent of a chaotic fashion shoot, perfectly matching its sharp satire of the art world and our culture’s obsession with fame.

Yan skillfully keeps the film relatable by focusing on Burgess, the only true artist depicted. Burgess is grappling with tough questions – like who art is really meant for – after his original work is compromised and overshadowed. Randolph delivers a thoughtful and poignant performance as Burgess, offering a welcome balance to the self-absorbed behavior of Portman’s character, the anxiety of Ortega, and the generally over-the-top performances of the rest of the cast.

Despite all the surrounding noise, her work is steadily gaining recognition for its emotional impact. From the challenges she faces as a Black artist, where she has little control over how her work is received, to the genuine connections people make with her message, Yan’s themes are powerfully clear. Even amidst the distractions of fame and commercial interests, where negativity often prevails, art will always find someone to connect with if we truly pay attention.

The Gallerist had its world premiere January 24, 2026 at Sundance and is awaiting distribution.

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2026-01-28 08:06