Dennis Harvey 48 Hills Dec 27, 2022

Polyester isn’t one of his best; the midnight movie sensations Pink Flamingos and Female Trouble, as well as later mainstream hit Hairspray, hold up better. Still, it is a lot of fun.

Go to Full Review

Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault Aug 30, 2022 B

Not nearly as gross as Waters’ previous outings (when Francine has to puke, she does it discreetly into her purse), but still wild enough to please any Waters fan.

Go to Full Review

Scott Sublett Washington Blade May 20, 2022

Polyester will be remembered for a long time. It is a well-made film, a masterpiece of comedy and an utterly original, independent vision.

Go to Full Review

Rob Schmieder Gay Community News (Boston) May 12, 2022

Even though Polyester is watered-down Waters, it is still designed to offend... And I find Divine's portrayal of a suburban housewife truly liberating.

Go to Full Review

David Harris Spectrum Culture Jun 9, 2020

Polyester stands firmly as a gateway between the gross-out films of Waters' past and the soft-hearted sentimentalist ones that were to come.

Go to Full Review

Jack Veasey Philadelphia Gay News May 26, 2020

This time, John Waters has outdone himself: Polyester is a double-knit delight.

Go to Full Review

Sean Mulvihill FanboyNation.com Oct 23, 2019 5/5

Polyester is the start of a turning point in John Waters' career, the start of this radical outsider entering the mainstream.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Sep 23, 2019 2.5/4

Only John Waters would think of marrying Douglas Sirk melodrama to William Castle showmanship.

Go to Full Review

Diego Galán El Pais (Spain) Aug 23, 2019

The story is brilliant and has an authentic sense of humor. However, it declines as it develops because of its repetitiveness. [Full Review in Spanish]

Go to Full Review

Mark Stafford Electric Sheep Sep 1, 2014

Polyester is definitely one of Waters's best films, and I highly recommend attending an 'Odorama' screening for a unique night at the movies.

Go to Full Review

Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Jun 24, 2012 B-

By standards of Waters' gross-out features, this mildly amusing film is sedate, notable for the casting of fading movie star Tab Hunter and for introducing a gimmick called Odorama, scratch-and-sniff cards.

Go to Full Review

Variety Staff Variety Sep 12, 2008

A fitfully amusing comedy of not so ordinary people.

Go to Full Review

Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com Apr 6, 2006 3/5

Go to Full Review

Derek Adams Time Out Feb 9, 2006

OK, so it's not The Cherry Orchard, but who could resist a film where a massive drive-in billboard proclaims 'Now showing - Three Great Marguerite Duras Hits'?

Go to Full Review

Bill Gibron DVD Verdict Aug 22, 2005 91/100

Polyester may be one of the few times when Waters tried to expand his cinematic language at the expense of his usual verbal variety

Go to Full Review

Philip Martin Arkansas Democrat-Gazette May 20, 2005 2/5

Go to Full Review

Nick Schager Lessons of Darkness May 4, 2005 B

Stinks in all the right ways.

Go to Full Review

Janet Maslin New York Times Aug 30, 2004

The kind of send-up lends itself to loutishness, but Mr. Waters handles it brightly enough to give it distinctive wit.

Go to Full Review

Matt Bailey Not Coming to a Theater Near You Jun 3, 2004 5/5

Go to Full Review

Leo Goldsmith Not Coming to a Theater Near You Apr 14, 2004 4/5

Go to Full Review