Story perspectives

Art Forgery Drama 'The Christophers' Premieres at TIFF 2026

4/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Christophers, directed by Steven Soderbergh, is a darkly comedic drama about art forgery.
Julian Sklar, a once-renowned painter, is aided by his estranged children Barnaby and Sallie as they hire Lori Butler, an art forger, to complete unfinished works for profit.
Michaela Coel portrays Lori Butler, and the film explores themes of legacy, authenticity, and greed.
The Christophers premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival and opens in theaters on April 10, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The Knoedler Gallery scandal, which unfolded between 1994 and 2008, involved the sale of over 40 forged paintings attributed to renowned artists like Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock, totaling $80 million. This incident highlighted systemic issues in the art market, where forgeries can comprise up to 40% of sales, raising ongoing concerns about authenticity and integrity in art transactions.

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Story summary

The Christophers, directed by Steven Soderbergh, is a darkly comedic drama about art forgery.
Julian Sklar, a once-renowned painter, is aided by his estranged children Barnaby and Sallie as they hire Lori Butler, an art forger, to complete unfinished works for profit.
Michaela Coel portrays Lori Butler, and the film explores themes of legacy, authenticity, and greed.
The Christophers premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival and opens in theaters on April 10, 2026.

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