Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- intelligent
- witty
- tense
- political history viewing
- serious television drama night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film an engaging and well-acted account of the Blair-Clinton relationship, with Peter Morgan's writing and the central performances receiving particular approval.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Tony Blair's rise from Labour leader to prime minister anchors the story and its characterization.
Clinton is initially the senior mentor while Blair seeks his advice, before their roles shift over Kosovo.
The relationship between Blair and Clinton drives discussions of party reform, Northern Ireland, and intervention.
The plot moves between British and American leadership, media responses, and the transition from Clinton to Bush.
Films like The Special Relationship, and why
The Queen
political biographical drama focused on a charismatic british prime minister and the pressures of leadership
Frost/Nixon
witty, dialogue-driven political drama dramatizing a consequential relationship between national leaders
W.
historical political drama centered on presidential power, personal counsel, and moral compromise
The Deal
Peter Morgan political drama combining institutional history, private negotiation, and sharp leader-to-leader exchanges
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Loncraine
- Release Date
- 2010-05-29
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (76)
Cast
- Michael Sheen
- Demetri Goritsas
- Adam Godley
- Marc Rioufol
- Mark Bazeley
- Helen McCrory
- Nancy Crane
- Dennis Quaid
- John Schwab
- Hope Davis
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Special Relationship about?
- A sharply observed political biographical drama about Tony Blair’s evolving alliance with Bill Clinton and the costs of influence across the Atlantic.
- What is The Special Relationship like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Special Relationship as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Special Relationship violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Special Relationship.
- What did critics think of The Special Relationship?
- Critics generally found the film an engaging and well-acted account of the Blair-Clinton relationship, with Peter Morgan's writing and the central performances receiving particular approval.
- Which films are like The Special Relationship?
- Films with a similar feel include The Queen, Frost/Nixon, W., and The Deal.
- How long is The Special Relationship?
- The Special Relationship runs 93 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Special Relationship?
- In United States, The Special Relationship streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
