Despite The Outside Story’s aimless nature, some might enjoy Casimir Nozkowski’s quiet and snoozy direction; it just isn’t the lead role debut Brian Tyree Henry deserves.

| Original Score: 5.5/10 | Jan 22, 2023

Henry – an invaluable ensemble player in everything from Atlanta and Widows to Spider-Man and Godzilla Vs. Kong – is quietly great in his first leading role, and Nozkowski keeps the tone pleasantly busy rather than panicked.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 29, 2022

Even a bevy of idiosyncratic supporting characters (flirty policewoman, priggish gay upstairs neighbor, older woman looking for romance) can't compensate enough for a storyline that feels like it can't get off its own treadmill.

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | Jun 23, 2021

Henry's tender performance and his buttered beauty mixed with clever dialogue to mask the cracks in the overall execution.

| Jun 10, 2021

A character study so thin that a soft breeze through Central Park could blow it over.

| Jun 6, 2021

A great lil indie film...and even though it's a drama, it's actually a lot of fun.

| May 24, 2021

Provides a leading man showcase to a talented actor and puts him in a variety of potentially humorous situations, but the film is disjointed, leading up to an ending that makes little sense.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | May 17, 2021

It may not be exactly the experience we're going through right now, but Nozkowski's gentle charmer does serve as a reminder of the joys of going out and meeting people again.

| May 12, 2021

The tone is light, reminiscent of an old Seinfeld episode.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 7, 2021

In this amusing and pointed New York comedy, writer-director Casimir Nozkowski creates engaging moments in a simple premise.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 7, 2021

The Outside Story will leave you smiling and ready to connect with your loved ones once again.

| May 6, 2021

The Outside Story is not the sort of movie that's going to change your life, but then again not every movie needs to be. If you're looking for something cozy and warm to try on for 85 minutes, it suits the bill perfectly.

| May 5, 2021

A slight, but delightful film that may just turn you into a Brian Tyree Henry superfan.

| May 5, 2021

It's definitely a feel-good movie, but The Outside Story fails to accurately represent a world, in this case, Brooklyn, New York.

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 5, 2021

These actors are so ridiculously likable that it's an easy film to slip into...

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 5, 2021

Increasingly, some of my favorite films can be described as "Nothing happens. And everything happens." That's this film, and it is a joy to watch.

| Original Score: A- | May 4, 2021

With Brian Tyree Henry at the forefront, The Outside Story has a basic premise that is elevated by its charisma and exciting character development.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 4, 2021

The Outside Story is a charming story of what happens when we're forced out of our comfort zones...a wonderful look at the importance of not just observing the world, but being a part of it.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 3, 2021

An overall dose of vitamin c, this movie is. You feel happier and better than before viewing.

| Original Score: 5/5 | May 3, 2021

Charles might have been locked out, but perhaps previously he actually was locked in. Finding his proverbial key to unlock his world and better understand himself is what makes this a memorable and relatable comedic gem.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 3, 2021