Jeremy Irons and John Lone are both doing great work, but the film's reticence to engage with its gender, queer, and even political themes is frustrating. The film is a bad marriage of director and material.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | May 16, 2024

On stage, M. Butterfly was quite possibly the best drama since Equus. On screen, it's an embarrassment and a bore.

| May 9, 2023

On screen, under the caring but superficial direction of David Cronenberg, the realism of the camera cruelly exposes all the pretenses of this play about a French diplomat who loves a man posing as a woman.

| Apr 16, 2018

| Original Score: C- | Sep 7, 2011

When John Lone parades around in mascara and speaks in an asexual monotone, the film audience discovers itself staring at John Lone's whiskers underneath his makeup

| Original Score: 1.5/5 | May 17, 2009

The problem is not simply that Lone's drag wouldn't fool a baby. In the magnified intimacy of the camera's eye, it's clear Hwang doesn't really know who these unlikely lovers are. Metaphors can't carry a movie-flesh and blood is what's required.

| Oct 18, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 11, 2007

One of Cronenberg's most problematic and most disappointing films, largely due to the source material.

| Original Score: C | Jul 2, 2007

Cronenberg no longer needs slimy parasites or exploding heads; the human heart's ability to fool itself is frightening and bizarre enough.

| Original Score: A | Apr 9, 2007

There's a lot to chew on in this incredible love story turned into a grisly horror story.

| Original Score: A- | Mar 14, 2007

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jun 9, 2005

A rare mis-step for director Cronenberg, neutering a challenging play with a bizarrely conservative filming approach.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jan 5, 2004

Downright peculiar film from Cronenberg. Far from his best, but better than its reputation.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 27, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 20, 2003

M. Butterfly is Cronenberg's least-known and most underrated work, far superior to his great cult hit, Scanners.

| Apr 19, 2003

Imperfect, interesting.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Mar 9, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 29, 2002

Cronenberg and Hwang seem to have conspired to dull the material at every turn.

| Jan 1, 2000

| Original Score: 6/10 | Jan 1, 2000

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 1, 2000