Viewers interested in modern Drama cinema often explore The Critic because of its cast, story direction, and audience popularity.
Joel seems to be putting his life together. He's become a successful film critic, well-respected college professor, married the woman of his dreams, and has nearly finished a script he's certain will gain him access into directing his own film. Upon realizing these accomplishments and what may be coming next in his life, Joel loses all sense of self in a panicked derealization episode that breaks the beliefs he's held for so long.