Brexit: The film received over 1.5 million views on YouTube by June 23, 2016 (the date of the referendum). The film received mixed reviews from critics. Paul Baldwin, writing for The Daily Express, a pro-Brexit newspaper, called it a “powerful” exposé of the lack of accountability in the European Union. Nicholas Dunne-McAfee of the Public Relations and Communications Association commented that the film was “easily digestible” and “witty” but felt it was “a little late and a little long”.
A reviewer for Newsweek noted the film’s attempt to sell to a conservative, anti-establishment audience, calling it “a libertarian’s wet dream of Randian proportions,” but criticized the film’s perceived inconsistencies. The Huffington Post reviewer believes that it relies on ethnic stereotypes and misses certain points of view. However, he also praised the film’s persuasiveness, but pointed out that it could potentially encourage voters to support the UK remaining in the EU. The German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung criticized the lack of balance in the film, as it did not include any pro-European viewpoints.
Comedian John Oliver pointed out inaccuracies in statements made in the film, including that sleeping pillows were subject to 109 different regulations. He pointed out that some of these regulations do not apply to sleeping pillows, but to breakfast cereals or foot pumps for air mattresses.
After the referendum, many participants expressed their concerns about the UK’s exit from the European Union. One of the co-authors, Kelvin Mackenzie, said shortly after the vote: “Four days later, I feel very differently. I feel buyer’s remorse. A feeling of be careful what you wish for. To be honest, I’m afraid of what lies ahead.” On May 10, 2023, he commented to GBNews that “this is not the Brexit we signed. I feel like we’re in the worst of both worlds…we voted for something…it’s not being delivered.”