Metacritic Movie Ratings
Off the Black Reviews

4.0

out of 100

Metascore^®
Generally favorable reviews
Based on a weighted average of all critic review scores.

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

90

out of 100

The Hollywood Reporter
Like a good pitcher, Trevor Morgan varies his emotions and perfectly grooves his role as the high-school star. Huffing and puffing, Nolte plops around with brilliant finesse, smartly exposing this frustrated old ballplayer's inside strength and fears.

Read full review
83

out of 100

Entertainment Weekly
Sucking at the top of many a can, and greedily slurping the sides of an overflowing bottle, Nolte gives a master class in how to drink a beer on screen. The rest of his work here is sad, understated, and worth seeking out.

Read full review
75

out of 100

Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
There's something very right with Off the Black in terms of pure emotion and performance craft.

Read full review
70

out of 100

Los Angeles TimesKevin Crust
Off the Black is a modest, bittersweet character study that hits its mark.

Read full review
70

out of 100

VarietyJustin Chang
Anchored by a terrific performance from Nick Nolte as a grizzled umpire who gets an unexpected second chance at fatherhood, this easygoing comedy-drama plays out slowly but assuredly, infusing a conventional story about a blossoming relationship with welcome reserves of honesty and humor.

Read full review
70

out of 100

The New York TimesStephen Holden
Off the Black is so much Mr. Nolte's movie that it couldn't exist without him. His character is the latest in a long line of Hemingway-esque ruins, marinated in beer and testosterone, who have become Mr. Nolte's specialty.

Read full review
63

out of 100

ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
I appreciate that Ponsoldt doesn't go for cheap tears through over-sentimentality, but his detached, low-key approach distances viewers from the characters. I watched the drama unfold from afar but was never involved on an emotional level.

Read full review