Opinions differ sharply between critics and the general audience on Guy Ritchie’s most recent film.
Since his early days with iconic British gangster movies like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000), Ritchie has become a staple in the Hollywood action thriller genre. His recent works include Fountain of Youth (2025), The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024), and The Covenant (2023).
The latest from Ritchie, In the Grey (2026), featuring stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Henry Cavill, has not been warmly received by film critics, earning a mere 47% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 38 reviews at the time of this writing. While this number might change with additional reviews, it significantly contrasts with the favorable 83% audience score on Popcornmeter.
In his new film, Ritchie sticks to his tried and tested formula of high-octane action and witty banter, portraying a group of secret agents who attempt to thwart a villainous dictator who has amassed a fortune of a billion dollars. The film also stars Eiza González, alongside a solid supporting cast that includes Rosamund Pike, Carlos Bardem, Michael Vu, Fisher Stevens, and Kojo Attah.
Despite its stylistic flair and action-packed sequences, In the Grey has not managed to gather many positive critiques, with the few favorable reviews giving it a lukewarm 3 to 3.5 stars out of 5. Those who enjoyed the film cited its dynamic action scenes, including shootouts and car chases, the charismatic cast, and Ritchie’s distinctive fast-paced dialogue.
Conversely, the negative critiques have pointed out that perhaps Ritchie’s signature style might be wearing thin, with some reviewers noting that the film suffers from stiff acting, an overabundance of exposition, and a lackluster plot overwhelmed by uninspired action.
Josh Bate from ScreenRant offered a more favorable view in his review, scoring the film a seven out of ten. He praised the chemistry among Gyllenhaal, Cavill, and González, and noted that the film does a decent job balancing its narrative and action elements, although sometimes the dialogue can be overwhelming. Bate remarked:
“There remains something commendable about Guy Ritchie’s commitment to the brisk, character-centric style that defined much of his earlier work. Even if the mix of sharp dialogue, engaging storytelling, and action isn’t always perfect, the film is still consistently enjoyable.”
While In the Grey has struggled to win over critics, it does represent a slight improvement from Ritchie’s Fountain of Youth, which holds a critics’ score of just 35% and a similarly low audience score of 38% on the Popcornmeter.
Among Ritchie’s recent films, The Covenant stands out as the most acclaimed, with an impressive 82% from critics and a near-perfect 98% from audiences. This 2023 war drama also features Gyllenhaal in a leading role.
Overall, In the Grey seems to be a rather average film in Ritchie’s recent body of work. The director appears to be staying within his comfort zone, not straying far from his usual style. While some critics may feel fatigued by this approach, it appears that there is still a significant audience that appreciates what Ritchie brings to the big screen.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
