Sid and Nancy (1986) Review in 2025
Sid and Nancy is a biographical drama film that tells the tragic love story of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen. The film is a gritty and intense portrayal of the punk rock scene in 1970s London.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to mature themes, strong language, and graphic content.
CineReview Recommendation
Recommended for fans of punk rock, drama, and music. Suitable for streaming or watching in theaters.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film explores the tumultuous relationship between Sid and Nancy, which is marked by violence, substance abuse, and chaos. As their relationship deteriorates, they become embroiled in a world of crime and addiction, leading to a tragic and devastating conclusion.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is well-crafted and engaging, but it's not particularly original or surprising. The film's portrayal of the punk rock scene is accurate and immersive, but it's also a bit one-dimensional.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with outstanding performances from Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb. The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly David Hayman as Malcolm McLaren.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, particularly Sid and Nancy. Gary Oldman's performance as Sid is phenomenal, capturing the character's intensity and vulnerability. Chloe Webb's performance as Nancy is also excellent, conveying the character's fragility and desperation.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with a clear vision and a strong sense of pacing. Alex Cox does a great job of capturing the energy and chaos of the punk rock scene, but he also takes some risks with the film's tone and style.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but it's not particularly noteworthy. The film's use of lighting and color is effective, but it's not particularly innovative or memorable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's portrayal of the punk rock scene is accurate and immersive, and the performances from Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb are phenomenal. The film's tone and style are also well-crafted, capturing the energy and chaos of the punk rock scene.
Cons
The film's story is not particularly original or surprising, and the cinematography is decent but not particularly noteworthy. The film's portrayal of the punk rock scene is also a bit one-dimensional.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a junkie, I'm a poet!"
"You're a bloody idiot, Sid!"
