The film received positive reviews from critics, who applauded its handling of themes of queer community and racial turmoil and fetishization. At
NPR, Allison Keyes wrote that "the voices of gay activists were often silenced during the
civil rights movement and, before that, the Harlem Renaissance" and "
Brother to Brother examines this silence." In a positive review,
Ty Burr of
The Boston Globe wrote, "The larger context -- of whether the African-American struggle can include black homosexuality as part of its rebellion and one of its voices without having a meltdown -- is put across with admirable finesse. It isn't merely nice that Perry can take strength from a survivor like Nugent. As this promising film insists, it's necessary." Michael D. Klemm wrote in
Cinema Queer that the film is "a revelation," "beautifully acted and directed" and "almost overflows with ideas". On review aggregate site
Rotten Tomatoes,
Brother to Brother has an approval rating of 76% based on 45 critics' reviews. The site's critics consensus states: "Led by two fine lead performances,
Brother to Brother is a moving and thought-provoking dramatization of the Harlem Renaissance." ==Awards and nominations==