This One Question Made Closer Go Viral—Is It the Most Underrated Movie Ever?

Nearly two decades after its release, Closer (2004), starring Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, Jude Law, and Clive Owen, has resurfaced in online discussions as one of the most underrated films of all time. The conversation ignited when an X (formerly Twitter) user posed the question:

“What’s an underrated movie you’ve seen that you feel deserves more attention? I’ll start.”

This seemingly innocent prompt sent waves through film circles, with Closer quickly emerging as a favorite among cinephiles who believe the film never received the full appreciation it deserved.

What's an underrated movie you've seen that you feel deserves more attention?

I’ll start: pic.twitter.com/KwKDQgplUw

— Creepy (@creepydotorg) January 28, 2025

Fans Weigh In: A Masterpiece or Overrated?

Responses to the viral thread showcased a mix of admiration and bewilderment. Some users were quick to hail Closer as a cinematic masterpiece. One fan passionately wrote:

“One of the BEST movies I’ve ever seen. Real grown-up stuff! The writing, the acting, the cast. One of my fave movies of all time—Closer.”

Another viewer, however, admitted struggling with the film’s depth:

“I have to watch it again because I only saw it once and didn’t understand anything. Is the movie good? I remember watching it all with a lot of intensity and perseverance, but I feel like it was too deep for me.”

Not everyone agreed that Closer is underrated. Some users found it surprising that the film was even part of the conversation. One remarked:

“Underrated? Closer? Where have you been living all this time? Underneath a rock on Mars?”

The Legacy of Closer: Critical Acclaim and Divisive Reception

When Closer debuted in 2004, it received widespread critical recognition, particularly for its screenplay and powerhouse performances. The film, based on Patrick Marber’s play of the same name, explores the raw, unfiltered complexities of modern relationships—love, betrayal, and the inevitable consequences of human desire.

Critical Acclaim

Renowned critic Roger Ebert praised Closer, describing it as a film about “four people who richly deserve one another,” highlighting its sharp dialogue and the brutal honesty of its character interactions. He noted that it “plays like a symphony of emotional cruelty.”

The performances, particularly those of Natalie Portman and Clive Owen, were widely celebrated. Both actors won Golden Globe Awards and received Academy Award nominations for their supporting roles.

Divisive Reviews

Despite its accolades, Closer wasn’t universally loved. Some critics found its dialogue overly theatrical, while others felt its cold, cynical portrayal of love was unrelatable. The Atlantic labeled it “flamboyantly bad” and “unintentionally hilarious,” critiquing its exaggerated emotional conflicts.

Meanwhile, audience reactions were similarly polarized. One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer praised it, saying:

“Love, lust, betrayal. Natalie Portman gave a knockout performance. You never get tired of looking at her. Jude Law was amazing also.”

A Reddit user reflected on their evolving appreciation for the film:

“The acting from Portman, Law, and Owen is superb, as is the writing. Ugh, so many killer lines that I never really appreciated when I was younger.”

The Film’s Cultural Impact: Why Closer Still Resonates

Nearly 20 years later, Closer continues to provoke discussion because it doesn’t rely on traditional storytelling techniques. There are no clear heroes or villains—just flawed people navigating the brutal realities of love and attraction. The film’s dialogue, ripped almost verbatim from the stage play, remains one of the sharpest and most memorable aspects of its appeal.

Scenes like Clive Owen’s brutally candid confrontation with Julia Roberts (“Did you sleep with him?”) or Natalie Portman’s tearful monologue in the strip club (“Lying is the most fun a girl can have without taking her clothes off… but it’s better if you do”) are still quoted by fans today.

Final Verdict: Underrated or Rightfully Recognized?

So, is Closer truly underrated? The debate rages on. While some argue that its reputation as an emotionally complex, brilliantly acted film makes it anything but underappreciated, others believe it never reached the mainstream recognition it deserved.

What’s certain is that Closer remains one of the most thought-provoking relationship dramas ever put to screen. Whether it’s a hidden gem or a well-established classic, the film’s impact is undeniable—and, thanks to social media, it’s once again getting the attention it sparked nearly two decades ago.

Would you consider Closer underrated, or do you think it’s already gotten its due credit? Let us know your thoughts!