Luca Guadagnino’s Artificial has made its debut at the New York Film Festival, giving critics their first opportunity to weigh in on the Andrew Garfield-led drama. First reactions have been strongly positive, with critics praising Garfield and Yura Borisov. Several reviews have also highlighted Guadagnino’s direction, with some calling the movie one of his strongest works in years.
Artificial’s first reactions are in
Early reviews for Luca Guadagnino’s Artificial are in following its New York Film Festival premiere. The film has drawn strong responses from critics, with several praising Andrew Garfield and Yura Borisov. Meanwhile, others have highlighted Guadagnino’s blend of dark comedy and unsettling subject matter.
Antonio Ferme drew a comparison to The Social Network, writing, “ARTIFICIAL feels like the proper sequel to THE SOCIAL NETWORK.” He described the movie as “a human story about the blinding nature of desire” and praised Garfield’s portrayal of Sam Altman’s “charismatic yet manipulative demeanor.” Ferme also described Borisov as “the heart ‘n soul of the whole film.”
Next Best Picture editor-in-chief wrote, “Provocative, engaging, and downright horrifying, it’s the movie of the moment that we may not even be able to look back on if the vision of the future it presents comes true.” He also praised Garfield’s portrayal of Altman, calling it “one of his most unsettling and transformative performances.” Borisov also received strong praise from Neglia.
Nicole’s Film Perspectives said, “Artificial is an intense delivery of Guadagnino’s talents that I truly enjoyed. Haunting yet alarming would be the best way to tease this film.” Film critic Jairo Jiménez noted, “Guadagnino guts Silicon Valley with his obsessive pulse & a powerful farce in which Andrew Garfield completely shines.” He described the movie as “A feverish, visceral corporate drama” and concluded, “An essential film.”
Editor Eric Kohn called the movie a “pitch-perfect dark comedy” and praised Garfield for balancing multiple sides of his character. He concluded, “ A fun/scary ride that embodies the paradox at its center.”
Artificial will open in theaters on December 25, 2026.
