57
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75The A.V. ClubThe A.V. ClubA generous, unguarded performance from Rachael Harris cuts through the cuteness of a quirky premise in Natural Selection.
- 75Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversBest known as Ed Helms' nagging fiancée in "The Hangover," Harris is just perfect without ever looking down on Linda's faith in God and herself. Her performance earns a special kind of glory.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleAmy BiancolliSan Francisco ChronicleAmy BiancolliThe results are often comical, but Pickering who made the film in tribute to his mother, the real Linda White - imbues them with faith in something, maybe dignity, maybe love, maybe just the simple human urge to keep on moving.
- 70Los Angeles TimesBetsy SharkeyLos Angeles TimesBetsy SharkeyAn intriguing and intelligent first effort from indie filmmaker Robbie Pickering, digs deep into the heart of Texas for its soulful tale of small town saints and sinners and a road trip to redemption.
- 63Slant MagazineMichael NordineSlant MagazineMichael NordineThe film works because what it documents is less a transformation and more a return to a former, more natural state for its troubled protagonist.
- 60VarietyJoe LeydonVarietyJoe LeydonThis filmed-in-Texas road movie finds a smooth groove between self-conscious quirkiness and broadly played farce.
- 60Village VoiceVillage VoiceNatural Selection mixes elements of "Transamerica" and the recent "Higher Ground" to tell the story of how a God-fearing fortysomething woman found the greatest love of all.
- As cartoonish as much of this is, Pickering's story is refreshing in its refusal to paint all Christians with the same brush,
- 50The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenAside from Ms. Harris's performance, the main reason to recommend Natural Selection - very conditionally - is that its creator clearly has talent. He simply lacked the resources to make the movie he envisioned.
- 40Time OutDavid FearTime OutDavid FearThis writer-director still has some evolving to do.