A visual spectacle let down by thin characters and muddled storytelling.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Exodus: Gods and Kings is mixed, with most reviewers acknowledging its scale and visual grandeur while remaining divided on its overall merit. The film's most consistent praise centres on its spectacular visuals and special effects, with several critics calling it an epic cinematic experience. However, a recurring criticism is the weak, incoherent storytelling — critics note an absence of emotional investment, shallow characterisation, and a second half that loses momentum. The unconventional portrayal of God as a child also drew pointed criticism from multiple reviewers.
3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 11 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
...the lack of cohesive storytelling really kills the film. God is presented as a creepy kid with a scowl on his face, but there is no sense of something being at stake in the film. You also don't really feel for anyone or anything in the film.
Film review ·
This is Ridley Scott's version of the age old story and even though it's two and a half hours long, it's simply awesome!
Film review ·
Exodus: Gods and Kings is 'spectacle' with a capital 'S' and in more ways than one, definitely epic.
Film review ·
The film is certainly worth a watch but the two and a half hours of it seem as long as it took Moses to rescue them Hebrews.
Film review ·
What the film lacks in ambition and storytelling, it tries to make up with dazzling visuals and special effects. Go for it if you're up for some biblical mindless fun this weekend.
Film review ·
Exodus is a watchable film for its scale and visual grandeur in spite of the 3D which doesn't add any value.
Film review ·
It is a visual spectacle minus a heart...
Film review ·
Exodus is bound to rile up believers but it will definitely bore skeptics as soon as the second half begins because although it begins with Moses rebelling, it offers very little insight. Exodus is a good time-pass film. However, if you've watched The Prince of Egypt (1998), then skip this one.
Film review ·
Exodus: Gods and Kings is a pure visual delight. If you're zealous about adventure, the Bible, Christian Bale, ghastly plagues, or anything Egyptian, you don't have to think twice before you go for it.
Film review ·
God is an 11-year-old boy and Moses is an orange bore...
Film review ·
...sometimes campy and shallow, sometimes solemn but mostly absorbing, interpretation of the story of Moses.
From our readers
3 ratings · user score 7.0
Exodus: Gods and Kings. When you have a plot interesting as Exodus has, lead actor as good as Bale and visuals as stunning as Exodus has, then result should have been great but Exodus misses the bus because execution is dull and chemistry is missing between the key characters. Ridley Scott fails to infuse the high energy level in Exodus that we cherished in cult Gladiator. Rather portraying it as a faith movie, he could have opted for showing the human spirit that goes against all odds. Apart from Bale, there is hardly any other memorable character. The length of 150 minutes feels too long. However, great visuals and great CGI work especially in the climax help movie in not being a complete disaster. I am going with not bad 6 out of 10 for Exodus. What could have been a great cinematic experience turns out to be an underwhelming one.
Credits
Christian BaleMoses
Joel EdgertonRamses
Ben KingsleyNun
John TurturroSeti
Aaron PaulJoshua
Ben Mendelsohn
Sigourney WeaverTuya
Hiam AbbassBithiah
María ValverdeZipporah
Indira VarmaMiriam
Kevork MalikyanJethroEnglish films like Exodus: Gods and Kings
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