Opened: June 10, 2016

Directed by: Michael Grandage

Starring: Colin Firth, Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Laura Linney, Dominic West, Guy Pearce & Vanessa Kirby

Though the film is filled with literary giants and combines a great writer, director and cast, Genius never rises to what its title suggests.

Book editor Maxwell Perkins (Colin Firth) is given a manuscript by the unpublished Thomas Wolfe (Jude Law) and decides to publish it. Thomas rises to fame and the pair continue to work together, despite their relationship hurting their partners (Nicole Kidman & Laura Linney).

Taking place over a nine-year period, you never really get a sense of time. The work on Wolfe’s first novel is brushed over quickly leaving confusion about the development process of both the piece and their friendship.

No one has a moment to truly shine due to the lack of character development. Law is the closest to a strong performance, but Wolfe’s personality borders on annoyance.

Final say: Mediocre at best. ★★☆☆☆