Cats – first reactions roll in: 'The strangest, most bewildering cinematic experience I've ever had'
Has Tom Hooper managed to pull it off?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The first reactions to Cats have rolled in following the film’s premiere in the US.
Just 12 hours after completing work on the film, director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) unveiled his musical at an event in New York that was attended by stars including Taylor Swift, Idris Elba and Jennifer Hudson.
The film has been at the centre of much discussion, ever since the first trailer was released in the summer, thanks to the way in which Hooper decided to depict the felines.
One Twitter user said that the CGI human-cat hybrids made the film look like a “demented dream ballet”.
Judging by the first reactions, it seems like that verdict was spot on – but many are also praising the result.
Broadway star Alan Henry said: “The Cats movie is the strangest, most bewildering, queerest, magical, and spectacular cinematic experience I have ever had."
He added: “I am not sure what just happened, but I know that it was something worth experiencing.”
Full Circle Line editor Marcos Melendez called the film “special and unique”.
Keaton Kilde, a writer for Vogue, quipped: ”The worst thing about Cats is that Jason Derulo is the best part.”
Find a selection of reactions below.
Cats is released in UK cinemas on 20 December, one day after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which is dividing fans following its premiere in Los Angeles.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments