Overview
An aging actor finds unexpected vitality in a young woman's chaotic presence.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- tender
- melancholic
- quiet evening
- reflective weekend
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a humane, tender, and irreverent exploration of aging, carried by Peter O’Toole’s acclaimed performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Maurice’s fading acting career, sexual longing, illness, and dependence shape the film’s central emotional conflict.
Maurice and Jessie use their companionship to pursue different needs before developing a more complex bond.
The film balances Maurice’s approaching end of life with bawdy humor, theatrical banter, and affectionate comedy.
Maurice is remembered by his generation but largely unknown to younger people, while accepting only occasional acting work.
Films like Venus, and why
The Father
shared themes of aging, dignity, mortality, and a reflective relationship between generations
45 Years
shared humane comedy-drama tone, mature romance, and emotional reckoning with later life
The Dresser
shared focus on an aging performer, theatrical identity, and bittersweet personal relationships
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
shared witty yet tender exploration of older adulthood, friendship, and mortality
Movie Details
- Director
- Roger Michell
- Release Date
- 2006-09-02
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (161)
Cast
- Peter O'Toole
- Leslie Phillips
- Jodie Whittaker
- Vanessa Redgrave
- Richard Griffiths
- Cathryn Bradshaw
- Beatrice Savoretti
- Philip Fox
- Lolita Chakrabarti
- Carolina Giammetta
Where to watch in United States
- 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 Venus about?
- A celebrated but aging London actor seeks renewed vitality through an unruly young companion, discovering that desire and friendship resist his theatrical scripts.
- What is Venus like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Venus as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Venus violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Venus.
- What did critics think of Venus?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a humane, tender, and irreverent exploration of aging, carried by Peter O’Toole’s acclaimed performance.
- Which films are like Venus?
- Films with a similar feel include The Father, 45 Years, The Dresser, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
- How long is Venus?
- Venus runs 95 minutes.
- Where can I watch Venus?
- In United States, Venus is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
