‘The Basics of Philosophy’ Review: Paul Schrader Wrestles with Sin and Spinoza in His Latest Tortured-Man Drama
Variety | 05.09.2026 02:45
Another man, another room, another vile past deed in need of expiation. On the one hand you could accuse writer-director Paul Schrader of retreading old ground with his latest unadorned exploration of guilt, transgression and the intellectual work that a sinner must do in order to seek redemption for his sins. On the other hand, you cannot ever accuse Paul Schrader of taking the easy way out when there is available to him a difficult way to get deeper in.
