The Legend of Barney Thomson | Rotten Tomatoes (2025)

62% Tomatometer 37 Reviews 52% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings

A London detective (Ray Winstone) believes a socially awkward barber (Robert Carlyle) may be behind a series of murders in Glasgow, Scotland.

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The Legend of Barney Thomson

The Legend of Barney Thomson

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Critics Consensus

The Legend of Barney Thomson may not quite live up to its grandiose title, but it offers a fine calling card for debuting director Carlyle, and Emma Thompson's performance adds a spark.

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Critics Reviews

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The Legend of Barney Thomson | Rotten Tomatoes (1) Joey Nolfi Entertainment Weekly Scottish actor Robert Carlyle makes a bold impression as a first-time director with Barney Thomson, a brash, dirty little film that's eager to please in devilish ways. Rated: B+ Mar 10, 2016 Full Review The Legend of Barney Thomson | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Liz Braun Toronto Sun You don't have to be a Scot to laugh yourself silly at The Legend of Barney Thomson, although canny viewers will no doubt catch more of the inside references. Rated: 4/5 Mar 4, 2016 Full Review The Legend of Barney Thomson | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Kate Taylor Globe and Mail Robert Carlyle is excellent as the lugubrious and downtrodden Barney, but as he makes his directorial debut here his rhythm on this deadpan comedy is erratic. Rated: 3/4 Mar 4, 2016 Full Review The Legend of Barney Thomson | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Jennifer Heaton Alternative Lens Ably supported by a strong cast including Ray Winstone and a nearly unrecognisable Emma Thompson, there is certainly some directorial skill in [Robert] Carlyle's bones. Rated: 7.5/10 Nov 2, 2018 Full Review The Legend of Barney Thomson | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Abbie Bernstein Assignment X Carlyle achieves a consistent wry, shaggy dog tone that works on low-key terms. Fans of its stars will be pleased; fans of murder comedies have seen both better and worse. Rated: B Nov 1, 2018 Full Review The Legend of Barney Thomson | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Alison Rowat The Herald (Scotland) Making stylish use of its Glasgow locations, Carlyle's black farce about a serial killer moseys along in fine enough fashion, but it suffers from a fatal lack of laughs. Rated: 2/5 Aug 23, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Fleces P It's one of those Snatch like "everything falls into place" movies that would be a lot better if ... it didn't suck. It's just doesn't have a whole lot to offer. You're better off vacuuming the house or something. At least you walk away from that feeling like you didn't just waste your afternoon. Can't say the same for this film. Rated 2.5/5 Stars • Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 08/17/23 Full Review Wolfgang G Die Legende von Barney Thomson ist eine britische schwarze Komödie von Robert Carlyle, der außerdem die Hauptrolle übernahm. Der Film basiert nach einem Roman von Douglas Lindsay. Wer den englischen Humor liebt, ist bei „Die Legende von Barney Thomson" auf den richtigen Weg… Robert Carlyle inszenierte eine herrliche Komödie, mit deftigen „schwarzen" Einschüben. Emma Thompson ist einfach hervorragend und überlegen als Cemolina, ja Emma Thompson stiehlt allen die Show! Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/04/23 Full Review Bryan This movie is dark and hilarious and should have received much wider acclaim for its originality and exceptional acting. I recommend it to all my friends. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/31/22 Full Review Audience Member O tipo de filme bizarro e exagerado que amo, humor negro adorável, situações improváveis, ações absurdas, fiquei a rir sozinha, e o plot twist, meu pai, que delicia, regozijei, que mamãe fofa… O que foi aquele final, uau, estranho, doido, insano, amei... Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member I loved it. Once you get past the thick accents, Robert Carlyle and Emma Thompson are brilliant. I love british wit and watching RC try to lie to the police is a lovely comic relief, and Emma Thompson as his brash, crude mother is hilarious. Highly recommend! Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member Cracking film, great performances, gallows humor & charm of Glasgow. Carlyle is a master of subtle humor that is sincere in the right places & avoids clichéd sentimentality we see in the usual Hollywood shite. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

Robert Carlyle Director Robert Carlyle Barney Emma Thompson Cemolina Ray Winstone Holdall Ashley Jensen Detective Inspector June Robertson Tom Courtenay Chief Superintendent McManaman
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The Legend of Barney Thomson

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Synopsis A London detective (Ray Winstone) believes a socially awkward barber (Robert Carlyle) may be behind a series of murders in Glasgow, Scotland.

Director
Robert Carlyle

Producer
Holly Brydson, Brian Coffey, John G. Lenic, Kaleena Kiff

Screenwriter
Richard Cowan, Colin McLaren

Distributor
Gravitas Ventures

Production Co
Telefilm Canada, Trinity Works Entertainment, Creative Scotland, Sigma, Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC)

Genre
Comedy

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 11, 2016, Limited

Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 7, 2016

Runtime
1h 36m
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The Legend of Barney Thomson | Rotten Tomatoes (2025)

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