The first reactions for The Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping, with critics praising the prequel as “easily the best film” in the franchise and a “must-see” in cinemas.
The film, which has been adapted from Suzanne Collins's novel of the same name, follows a young Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) before the events of The Hunger Games, and tracks the Games' special 50th anniversary, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, which has the double the amount of tributes.
Zada is joined by a star-studded cast, with Elle Fanning taking on the role of Effie Trinket and Ralph Fiennes playing the movie’s main antagonist, President Coriolanus Snow.
The roster also includes Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, roles played by Stanley Tucci and Phillip Seymour Hoffman respectively in the original films.
Following the film’s London premiere on Wednesday (28 October), several critics have posted their reactions to the screening on social media, though full reviews won’t drop until much closer to the movie’s theatrical release date of 20 November.
Film Speak critic Griffin Schiller described the film as "a sobering, yet powerful story of devastating loss and the necessary cost of rebellion for a sunrise we may never see".
He continued: "As a massive fan of the series and especially this book, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect adaptation.
"Francis Lawrence beautifully captures the invigorating spark of revolution and the tragedy of Haymitch’s journey, culminating in a resounding gut punch."
View oEmbed on the source websiteFilmHounds Magazine’s editor-in-chief Gavin Spoors also wrote: "We’ve seen this all before but #sunriseonthereaping stellar third act pulls the rug out underneath you.
"Anchored by terrific performances (Zada is a star), this emotional thriller nails the themes of the cost of revolution and how we all need to play our part."
View oEmbed on the source websiteThe Nerds of Color writer Nikita Francois said: “SUNRISE ON THE REAPING is easily the best film in the Hunger Games franchise. Joseph Zada is electrifying as Haymitch, and the cast is true to the characters we’re introduced to in the book. Filled with all-fire, it's a MUST-SEE in theatres."
Meanwhile, ScreenRant critic Tatiana Hullender described the film as “a beautiful, bittersweet story that translates very well to film”.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 20 November 2026.
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