Synopsis
A socially awkward teenage math prodigy finds new confidence and new friendships when he lands a spot on the British squad at the International Mathematics Olympiad.
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Cast
- Asa ButterfieldNathan Ellis
- Rafe SpallMartin Humphreys
- Sally HawkinsJulie Ellis
- Eddie MarsanRichard
- Jo YangZhang Mei
- Alex LawtherIsaac Cooper
- Alexa DaviesRebecca Dunn
- Martin McCannMichael Ellis
- Orion LeeDeng Laoshi
- Jake DaviesLuke Shelton
Recommendations
- 90
Village Voice
The film is novel-rich, so bristling with life that you might not notice how familiar it is in its contours. - 80
The Telegraph
The film’s magic is how it slips the skin of sappy and mendacious formula, stepping away from cliché scene by scene, and in quietly revelatory ways. - 80
Time Out London
As filmmaking, X+Y is unassuming and not entirely remarkable, but the relationships play so sweetly and memorably. - 80
Total Film
With A+ acting, a solid script and sensitive handling, there’s enough here to move even the hardest of souls. - 70
Variety
Matthews’ background as a documentarian is obvious and beneficial. But Matthews also demonstrates expertise as a director of actors, getting creditable performances across the board. - 67
The Playlist
Without the performances and splash of style as support, the film would collapse, because the story is indisputably boxed inside a square of standard dimensions. - 63
Movie Nation
Butterfield is quite good, the other kids well-matched and Spall, Hawkins and Marsan terrific in support. That adds up to a picture well-worth your time. - 60
Empire
Familiar formula yet Morgan Matthews’ feature debut adds up to a satisfying whole.
