71
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80The Hollywood ReporterThe Hollywood ReporterThe film is an example of social activism at its best; it's not only enlightening, but it's an engrossing story that a smart television audience should embrace.
- 80VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyPotent docudocu by Katy Chevigny and Kirsten Johnson makes a strong case against capital punishment by pointing up the fallibility of the justice system, while offering an inspiring portrait of one politico who actually seems guided foremost by conscience.
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertA sober, even low-key documentary about how the American death penalty system is broken and probably can’t be fixed.
- 75Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonA prime example of advocacy journalism--a form often criticized but perfectly honorable. Most importantly, it gives you a chance to ruminate on some crucial questions of human error, justice and life-and-death.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleJonathan CurielSan Francisco ChronicleJonathan CurielThere is no rage here or Michael Moore-like bluster. Instead, Deadline is a straightforward, compassionate look at a volatile subject.
- 75New York PostV.A. MusettoNew York PostV.A. MusettoSo potent, it could change the mind of even the most staunch defender of capital punishment.
- 70Chicago ReaderJ.R. JonesChicago ReaderJ.R. JonesAt 92 minutes this could hardly be considered a definitive statement, yet its combination of high drama and carefully articulated principle delivers quite a punch.
- 70Village VoiceVillage VoiceWhat Deadline lacks in heft it makes up for in common sense.
- Not as dynamic as it should be, given the punch of the story it tells, but it makes its points.
- 60Film ThreatFilm ThreatDeadline contributes reason and passion to the ongoing debate about whether civilized nations should employ the ultimate punishment and how justly it is administered.