With this being Gillan first feature film that she’s directed and wrote, I think she did a fantastic job.

| Jan 22, 2023

[Gillan's] talent in front of the camera is already well known but the film reveals genuine talent behind it as well... tough subject matter for a first feature but she tackles it head on.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 11, 2022

A rich and devastatingly powerful story of grief and suffering, there is a lot to be taken from Gillan's outstanding directorial debut.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Feb 2, 2021

With strong performances and acknowledgement that hedonistic lifestyles aren't healthy, the movie's an accurate portrayal of depression and millennial loneliness.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 10, 2019

The bottom line is that this under-developed project wouldn't be getting a release without Gillan's name.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 10, 2019

Lesser directors would struggle to strike this balance, but Gillan proves a deft hand. It's one of the strongest British debuts this year, and you have to ask - is there anything she can't do?

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 3, 2019

A strikingly odd and original debut that is admirable for taking the triple-threat of suicide, depression and addiction in its nonchalant stride, although the confusing presentation of separate timelines mutes the overall impact.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 2, 2019

Gillan resists easy catharsis, settling on a sense of vague optimism that feels right.

| Original Score: 4 | Dec 1, 2019

Gillan painstakingly injects good intentions into despair - understanding that pain is multifaceted, and the need to laugh is key to staying afloat.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 29, 2019

I can't help thinking Gillan's superpower as a writer and performer might actually be comedy. Still, always a compelling screen presence, she's now a film-maker to watch.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 28, 2019

Showcases Gillan's strengths with performers and atmosphere, and also her bravery with content.

| Original Score: B | Dec 24, 2018

By and large, Gillan clearly showcases a handle on the gig. With this outing, she's established herself as a multi-hyphenate to watch out for.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 7, 2018

Gillan plays her messy, mournful role with unfussy integrity.

| Dec 6, 2018

The movie's sneaky theme is anonymity as our 21st century cure-all for the burden of knowing too much and yet wondering if we really know anyone at all.

| Dec 5, 2018

While there's some irony in the title of Gillan's debut feature, it does feel like The Party's Just Beginning is the start of something special.

| Aug 28, 2018

If only the narrative had a bit more substance, then this party would be fun to witness.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 25, 2018

far from a vanity project for Gillan - it's a grand entrance for a promising, bold new director.

| Original Score: 8.5/10 | May 9, 2018

There's a real power to the filmmaking here; Gillan is, clearly, a force to be reckoned with.

| May 3, 2018

Bold visual, editing, and musical choices show that despite this being her debut feature, Gillan is a natural storyteller confident in her own style and vision

| Apr 30, 2018

Told in a heartfelt way with Gillan proving to be a triple threat, The Party's Just Beginning is a love letter to Scotland.

| Apr 27, 2018