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Venus

Venus

She's a real work of art.

200695 minRMidcredits score: 81st percentile of all films
Director
Roger Michell
Starring
Peter O'Toole, Leslie Phillips, Jodie Whittaker, Vanessa Redgrave

Maurice is an aging veteran actor who becomes taken with Jessie, the grandniece of his closest friend. When Maurice tries to soften the petulant and provincial young girl with the benefit of his wisdom and London culture, their give-and-take surprises both Maurice and Jessie as they discover what they don't know about themselves.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Venus?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Venus to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Venus?

Venus earns 4 badges, led by Standout acting and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Venus worth watching?

Venus' Midcredits score is the 81st percentile of all films, from 18K ratings across 6 sources. 73% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

81st percentile

Better received than 81% of films

88th percentile among Comedy79th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)78th
Approval (how many liked it)82nd

70 /100

78th percentile of all films

86th percentile among Comedy78th percentile among 2000s

Critics 82 · Audience 68

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.1 — solid but not unanimous.

73% liked it

82nd percentile of all films

88th percentile among Comedy80th percentile among 2000s
73% rated it 7–1027% rated it 1–6

Critics 88% · Audience 74%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 21 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama

Reach

How many have seen it

80th percentile

18K ratings across platforms

77th percentile among Comedy72nd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 23% in 30 days

Box office

Budget£3M

In British pound, not converted to dollars.

Opening weekend$36K
Domestic gross$3.3M
Worldwide gross$7.3M

69th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film centers on an old man's sexual obsession with a much younger woman and features a barnstorming lead performance by Peter O'Toole.

Fans praised

  • O'Toole's layered, fearless performance capturing lust, regret, and vitality
  • Witty, unsentimental script exploring aging and desire without cliché
  • Chemistry between veteran cast members (Phillips, Redgrave, Griffiths)

Detractors panned

  • Script romanticizes a relationship that feels predatory and exploitative
  • Gratuitous profanity and gross-out moments (toenails, catheters) used for cheap effect
  • Jessie is an ill-defined, unsympathetic character whose motivations are unclear

What stands out

ActingDivisive88

O'Toole's charismatic, weathered lead performance; strong ensemble (Phillips, Redgrave, Griffiths)

Emotional impactDivisive70

Poignant meditation on mortality and missed connections; detractors call it manipulative

DialogueDivisive65

Sharp exchanges and Shakespeare quotes; detractors call profanity gratuitous and poetry pretentious

CharactersDivisive55

Maurice is complex and flawed; Jessie called underwritten and unsympathetic

Plot and storyDivisive55

Premise praised as brave but criticized as predictable and rambling

OriginalityDivisive55

Unusual May-December premise praised as fresh; detractors call it a Lolita retread

EndingDivisive50

Bittersweet seaside finale praised as moving by fans; detractors say it feels false or tidy

Pacing45

Mixed reactions: some call it slow and meandering, others say its gentleness fits the subject

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users even
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Venus like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

It takes its time, has a few laughs and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
BittersweetMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Tender · 13% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its characters with gentle compassion, never mocking despite the awkward premise.
The rideThe film maintains a quiet, bittersweet tenor that deepens into melancholy as Maurice's health declines and culminates in his death.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Maurice meeting Jessie through their evolving relationship to his death.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you with a poignant mix of sadness and warmth, contemplating the persistence of desire and connection in old age.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2% (this title)
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Second chance: A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeMaurice, an elderly actor, finds unexpected vitality through his attraction to a young woman, experiencing a final bloom of love and purpose before his death.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% (this title) · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsAging · under 1% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines how an elderly man seeks meaning and a last taste of intimacy in the face of declining health and impotence.
StanceThe film neutrally observes the complex, unjudged relationship between Maurice and Jessie without celebrating or condemning it.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score
SettingLondon flats, art galleries, and a seaside trip to Whitstable

Content guide

Is Venus okay for kids?

R

Venus is rated R: “Rated R for language, some sexual content and brief nudity” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (28/100), sexual content at moderate (53/100), language at intense (74/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (62/100) and frightening material at minimal (0/100). Its violence, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • Ireland16
  • Hungary12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 60%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 63%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (2 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (46 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Venus have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Venus?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Peter O'Toole
as Maurice
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Leslie Phillips
as Ian
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jodie Whittaker
as Jessie
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Vanessa Redgrave
as Valerie
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Richard Griffiths
as Donald
Cathryn Bradshaw
as Jillian
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Beatrice Savoretti
as Waitress
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Philip Fox
as Doctor
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lolita Chakrabarti
as Health Centre Nurse
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Carolina Giammetta
as Health Centre Nurse
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Venus?

Movies like Venus include The Theory of Everything (2014), Intimacy (2001) and Imagine Me & You (2005). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Hanif Kureishi, and several are stories about husbands and wives.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Roger Michell directed 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Venus?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: aging hero. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.