this film smugly bolsters a cliche of the Democratic Party: Obsessed by symbolism and decorum, it misses the sea change in plain sight, and seems terrifyingly unable and unwilling to question its direction, message, and salesmanship
Barker has given us a film with much broader appeal, one that’s not only absorbing but also essential in its depiction of humane, responsible leadership
a fascinating look at how the diplomatic sausage is made... The Final Year, which proves deeply moving in a way that the filmmakers probably never anticipated, will prompt many viewers to feel the same way
"The Final Year" stumbles to show anything revealing or insightful inside this shaken White House. The reactions are basically what you expect, and in some cases, even more reserved than you might think (or hope)
by Chuck Bowen [Slant Magazine ]
