On the
review aggregator website
Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of based on reviews, with an average rating is . The website's critics consensus reads, "
Premature transcends its familiar trappings with sharp dialogue and a strong sense of setting that further establish Rashaad Ernesto Green as a gifted filmmaker." On
Metacritic, which assigns a
weighted average score out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the film received an average score of 81 based on reviews from 13 critics, indicating "universal acclaim". In a review for
TheWrap, Candice Frederick stated, "The push and pull of Ayanna and Isaiah's relationship comes off naturally, thanks to Howard and Green's sensitive writing. That style carries over to Laura Valladao's equally raw cinematography, capturing the hot New York City summer from the almost dusty sidewalk pavements, to the fiery sunset over the park, and the intimacy of two vulnerable lovers in bed at night next to an open window." Jon Frosch wrote of Howard's performance in a review for
The Hollywood Reporter, "What keeps you invested is Howard, who makes her proud, steely character's every moment of vulnerability feel like a gift to both the audience and to Isaiah, who may not be worthy of her. It's a performance that builds gradually in power and radiance."
Variety and
The Washington Post also offered positive reviews. ==References==