Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Artificial’ Rotten Tomatoes Score Revealed After Critics Call It the Real Sequel to ‘The Social Network’

Few films come with as much anticipation as Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Artificial.’ Originally developed at Amazon MGM Studios, the project was dropped in June, shortly after Amazon’s parent company struck a $50 billion deal with OpenAI. Neon then acquired the global rights, making the film one of the most closely monitored titles this fall.

This drama-comedy focuses on OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, portrayed by Andrew Garfield, highlighting his ousting and subsequent return in 2023. Written by Simon Rich, the film also stars Yura Borisov, Monica Barbaro, Cooper Koch, Cooper Hoffman, Billie Lourd, Zosia Mamet, Mark Rylance, and Ike Barinholtz.

The first reviews are in. Following its world premiere at the New York Film Festival on October 5, ‘Artificial’ launched with a 21% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 12 reviews that include ratings ranging from 4 out of 5 to a B-.

While this score is preliminary, the audience rating has yet to be released. According to Forbes, Tim Grierson of Screen International is the only critic to give the film a negative review so far. Nonetheless, this reception marks a positive shift for Guadagnino, whose previous film, ‘After the Hunt,’ holds a 36% rating with critics.

Running approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film is rated PG-13 and is set to hit theaters on December 25, as Neon aims for an awards campaign.

Critics frequently compare it to ‘The Social Network.’ With Aaron Sorkin’s sequel ‘The Social Reckoning’ releasing this weekend, the timing is particularly relevant. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman noted in his review that ‘Artificial’ serves as the true sequel to the 2010 film, describing it as a sprawling, captivating, and thought-provoking drama.

This is significant praise, considering ‘The Social Network’ grossed $225 million worldwide on a $40 million budget, received 8 Oscar nominations with 3 wins, and boasts a 96% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Several critics echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Guadagnino’s approach surpasses Sorkin’s by embracing satire.

Garfield’s performance is a focal point of discussion. Critics highlight his ability to portray Altman’s disarming charm alongside a colder persona, with Next Best Picture’s Matt Neglia calling it one of his most unsettling and transformative roles. Eric Kohn remarked that Garfield navigates the line between movie monster, buffoonish mogul, and evil genius.

IndieWire’s full review labels the film a dark and campy tech comedy, depicting Garfield as a diabolical villain, which aligns with Garfield’s own comments about being initially charmed by Altman. Borisov, who portrays OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever, is noted as the film’s emotional anchor, while Barinholtz’s portrayal of Elon Musk reportedly steals scenes. Damon Albarn’s electronic, atmospheric score has also garnered acclaim.

Luca Guadagnino’s ARTIFICIAL. It’s coming.
Starring Andrew Garfield, Yura Borisov, Monica Barbaro, Ike Barinholtz, Cooper Hoffman, Jason Schwartzman, and Mark Rylance. In select theaters Christmas Day. https://t.co/M12NC7XU1F

— NEON (@neonrated) September 8, 2026

Not all feedback has been positive. IndieWire mentions that the third act loses momentum while dramatizing the hours surrounding Altman’s ouster, with Awards Radar describing that section as oddly dull and rushed. Conversely, Variety’s Clayton Davis praised it as Guadagnino’s best film in a decade.

The real Sam Altman has yet to comment on the reviews. He has stated he has not seen the film and that, while it may be a good movie, it will not accurately depict events. As early reviews go, ‘Artificial’ has already addressed the crucial question surrounding its release: whether the controversy would overshadow the film itself.

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