Linda Hamilton's latest R-rated feature, Trust Me, I'm a Doctor, has earned a 23% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While the film is facing critical backlash, Hamilton's performance as attorney Ellyn Garofalo is receiving significant praise.
A 23% debut following the 2009 'Holy Water' low
The film's current standing on Rotten Tomatoes represents a significant hurdle for Linda Hamilton,marking her lowest-rated project in nearly two decades. According to the report, the 23% score is based on 13 reviews and falls well below the 60% threshold required to earn a "Fresh" rating. This marks a sharp decline from her recent television successes , where she earned a 100% score for Dark Winds and a 97% score for Resident Alien.
This cinematic slump follows a pattern seen in Hamilton's recent filmography. Aside from Terminator: Dark Fate, her recent movie appearances on the aggregation site have largely been categorized as "Rotten." The current score is only surpassed by the 2009 film Holy Water, which holds a 7% Tomatometer score.
Kal Penn and the Anna Nicole Smith memoir
Trust Me, I'm a Doctor is a biographical drama directed and written by Thane Economou, centered on the real-life experiences of Dr. Sandeep Kapoor. The report also notes that the story, which follows the doctor's memoir, features Kal Penn playing Kapoor as he navigates the fallout of being implicated in the death of model and reality star Anna Nicole Smith, portrayed by Abbie Cornish.
The narrative tracks the chaos surrounding Kapoor, including police raids, paparazzi scrutiny, and the leaking of his private journals . As the pressure mounts, Kapoor seeks legal counsel from Ellyn Garofalo, the defense attorney played by Hamilton. The film, which has a runtime of 111 minutes, is scheduled for a release date of October 16, 2026.
Critical praise for Ellyn Garofalo amidst a 'tonal mishmash'
Despite the overall negative reception, several critics have highlighted Hamilton's individual contribution to the film. For instance, ScreenRant's Brandon Zachary noted that while the movie suffers from a "tonal mishmash ," Hamilton and fellow actors like Dhirendra and Ronica Sajnani provide much-needed personality to their characters. Similarly, TheWrap's William Bibbiani suggested that while the production is too generic for awards consideration, Hamilton's performance might still "turn some heads."
Other critics were less forgiving of the film's execution. Brent Simon of The A.V. Club gave the movie a D rating, describing it as "lost and confused" in its attempt to tackle the real-life story . Even the Galveston Daily News, which provided one of the few "Fresh" reviews, admitted the film was "messy," even if it was captivating.
Why the Sarah Connor era appears closed to Hamilton
While the film's reception is a setback, Hamilton's future in major fraanchises remains a topic of discussion. Despite the potential for a seventh Terminator film—a project previously discussed by director James Cameron—Hamilton has ruled out a return to the role of Sarah Connor. She has stated that the story has been "done to death" and expressed confusion as to why the franchise would be relaunched.
Will the 13-review sample size shift the score?
As the film's presence on Rotten Tomatoes grows, several questions remain regarding its ultimate critical standing. The current 23% score is based on a relatively small pool of 13 reviews, leaving it vulnerable to significant fluctuation as more critics weigh in. It remains to be seen if the film can move closer to the "Fresh" threshold or if the consensus on its "misguided" approach will solidify.
Furthermore, the film's failure to take a clear stance on its subject matter leaves the audience wondering if the biopic will ultimately offer any new insight into the life of Anna Nicole Smith or Dr. kapoor.
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