The Ides of March

What it's about:

The Ides of March takes place during the frantic last days before a heavily contested Ohio presidential primary, when an up-and-coming campaign press secretary (Ryan Gosling) finds himself involved in a political scandal that threatens to upend his candidate's shot at the presidency.
 
What the critics thought:

"It's an intelligent, consistently involving thriller with the kind of unexpected melodramatic events that crop up in all US elections."
- Philip French, The Observer


"Tight as a drum and smooth as a snakeskin suit, this is a movie that harks back to golden days of the conspiracy thriller yet remains totally credible as a chronicle of ruthless political ambition."
- Tim Evans, Sky Movies


"The Ides of March is a pulse-racing thriller that hits where it hurts. George Clooney's performance is exceptional and Ryan Gosling is terrific in an all-stops-out role."
- Peter Travers, Rolling Stone