critical darling

Meaning

A 'critical darling' is a film, TV show, book, or artist that receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, even if it does not achieve commercial success or massive popularity among the general public.

Examples

• The low-budget indie film became a critical darling, winning several awards at festivals.

  The low-budget indie film became a critical darling, winning several awards at festivals.

• Although it was a critical darling, the series was canceled due to low ratings.

  Although it was a critical darling, the series was canceled due to low ratings.

• She has been a critical darling for years, but this new role might finally make her a household name.

  She has been a critical darling for years, but this new role might finally make her a household name.

• The novel was a critical darling, praised by major newspapers for its unique narrative style.

  The novel was a critical darling, praised by major newspapers for its unique narrative style.

• Not every critical darling is fun to watch; some are quite slow and experimental.

  Not every critical darling is fun to watch; some are quite slow and experimental.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The movie was a critic darling.

  ✓ The movie was a critical darling.

  The adjective 'critical' (relating to critics/criticism) must be used here, not the noun 'critic'.

• ✗ This movie is a critical darling because it made a billion dollars.

  ✓ This movie is a box office hit.

  A 'critical darling' is defined by praise from professional critics, not by commercial success. Many critical darlings actually perform poorly at the box office.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The indie drama was a ___ but struggled to find a mainstream audience.

  💡 Loved by reviewers but not necessarily popular with the public.

  Show answer

  critical darling

• Despite being a ___ and winning three Emmys, the show's ratings remained low.

  💡 Two words, meaning highly praised by professionals.

  Show answer

  critical darling