The film ‘When Will I Be Loved’ released in 2004, is a cinematic anomaly that garnered widespread criticism, with one notable exception: Roger Ebert. The film, written and directed by James Toback is an erotic drama that follows the journey of Vera Barrie played by Neve Campbell as she navigates her complex relationships and personal desires in New York.
Ebert’s glowing review of the film is particularly intriguing given his harsh critique of Toback’s previous work, ‘The Pick-Up Artist’. The contrast in Ebert’s opinions highlights his reputation for independent and sometimes contrarian views. In 2026, Toback’s legacy was further complicated by a $1.68 billion settlement with 40 women who accused him of sexual abuse, adding another layer of complexity to the film’s reception.
Neve Campbell’s Breakthrough Role and Improvisational Acting
Neve Campbell‘s performance in ‘When Will I Be Loved’ was a significant departure from her earlier roles, particularly her iconic part in the ‘Scream’ series. Ebert saw this as a breakthrough role praising Campbell’s ability to move beyond the ‘Scream’-queen category and showcase her range as an actress. The film’s unique approach, with a mere 35-page script and a high degree of improvisation, was another point of contention among critics. Campbell herself revealed that a lot of it was improvised which Ebert found refreshing and authentic.
However, not all critics shared Ebert’s enthusiasm. Michael O’Sullivan of The Washington Post described the film as collapsing under the weight of its own pretension. Stephanie Zacharek of was equally critical, noting that the film seemed coated with a slimy sheen of drool. Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews, Ebert remained steadfast in his admiration for the film’s boldness and Campbell’s performance.
The Plot and Ebert’s Unique Perspective
The narrative of ‘When Will I Be Loved’ revolves around Vera Barrie’s exploration of her sexuality and her relationships with her hustler boyfriend, Ford Welles and an Italian count, Tommaso played by Dominic Chianese. The film’s intricate plot and Vera’s calculated maneuvers were aspects that Ebert particularly appreciated. He described Campbell’s performance as carnal, verbally facile, physically uninhibited, and charged with intelligence noting her ability to make the character feel spontaneous and authentic.
Ebert’s review highlighted the film’s spellbinding third act, where Vera distributes justice and revenge in a manner that Ebert deemed a perfect ending. This view was not shared by other critics, as evidenced by the film’s 32% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Wesley Morris of The Boston Globe described the film as one of the most atrocious movies he had seen, while Lisa Schwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly called it a ripe psychosexual compost heap of a drama.
The Legacy of ‘When Will I Be Loved’
The divergent opinions on ‘When Will I Be Loved’ underscore the subjective nature of film criticism. Ebert’s praise for the film, despite its widespread panning, serves as a reminder of his unique perspective and willingness to defend films that others dismissed. The film’s availability on various streaming platforms offers viewers the opportunity to form their own opinions and understand Ebert’s perspective.
Its controversial reception and Ebert’s unwavering support highlight the complexities of film criticism and the enduring impact of a critic’s voice. Whether viewed as a bold exploration of sexuality or a misguided attempt at erotic drama, the film continues to spark debate and discussion among cinephiles.
