with quieter work from Spall and a simplicity of direction that works in its favour, Adrian Noble's film is a sweet and funny tale about enjoying what you have, not resenting what you don't
Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Spall steal the show in this low-key tale of the great artist finding success while caring for his curmudgeonly mother; An entertaining showcase for two first-class performers
Martyn Hesford's writing is sharp and insightful when it comes to class and opportunity. But under the direction of theatre veteran Adrian Noble, it's an often stiff and unadventurous affair
an atmospheric but plodding look at the home life of the renowned Salford painter; It all feels like an uneventful, overly stuffy approach to a painter who was, after all, considered outlandishly strange
above all else, "Mrs Lowry & Son" is a quality drama – nothing more, nothing less; An acquired taste to some, albeit an ideal example of how keeping it simple can be so rewarding to both the filmmakers and the audience
"Mrs Lowry & Son" features a script by Martyn Hesford that feels more like a radio or stage play; without any fresh insight to invigorate the cliches of downtrodden artistic lives, the characters feel both familiar and stale
by Kevin Maher [The Times (UK) ]
by Alice Saville [Time Out London ]
